Mileyda Isabella: A Smile in the Face of Adversity

At nearly seven years old, Mileyda Isabella is a living testament to courage, hope, and the power of solidarity. Two years ago, her life changed forever when a dedicated team of CAMO volunteer plastic surgeons traveled to Honduras and removed a malignant tumor that threatened her life.

This year, Mileyda reunited with the incredible team that saved her—Dr. Albert Woo, Tracie Trusdell, Erika Adhern, and CAMO International Director Kathy Tschiegg—while they attended to more patients in Honduras. The joy of seeing her healthy, smiling, and full of life was indescribable.

Mileyda loves the simple pleasures: sipping coffee, enjoying bread with butter, and making tortillas while playing with her little brother. Every laugh and every smile is a celebration of life and a reminder of the love and hope CAMO brings to children in need.

The Journey of a Girl and Her Grandmother

Mileyda lives in the community of El Zarzal, San Juan Intibucá, far from Santa Rosa de Copán. She and her family face long and challenging journeys by bus and on foot to reach every medical appointment.

In the past, despite the tireless efforts of her grandmother, Doña Lastenia Orellana, public health services could not provide the care Mileyda desperately needed. Before finding help through CAMO, she underwent two previous procedures at a local hospital, which were not enough to treat her malignant sarcoma.

CAMO’s medical brigade was the miracle Mileyda and her family prayed for every day.

After her surgery, she completed chemotherapy and now continues to receive support through CAMO’s Nutrition Program to regain her health.

Her journey continues, full of care, support, and resilience, a shining example of hope, love, and perseverance.