Celebrating a Life of Service: Kathy Turns 70

On the evening of April 11 in Honduras, a simple yet deeply meaningful celebration took place. Friends, colleagues, and supporters gathered to honor the life and upcoming 70th birthday of Kathryn M. Tschiegg, founder and International Director of CAMO (Central American Medical Outreach).

It was not a grand event, but an intimate night filled with gratitude, emotion, and profound respect for a woman whose life has been dedicated to serving others.

Kathy’s journey began in 1978, when she arrived in Honduras as a Peace Corps nurse. There, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of preventable deaths—an experience that would shape the course of her life forever.

In 1993, she founded CAMO, creating a sustainable model of healthcare built on partnership and service. Since then, her work has transformed medical care for thousands of people in vulnerable communities across western Honduras.

A Night Filled with Gratitude

During the celebration, Kathy received recognitions from the Municipality of Santa Rosa de Copán and the Honduran Ministry of Health, honoring decades of unwavering commitment.

The most emotional moment of the evening came through a video tribute featuring friends and collaborators from Honduras and the United States, including Héctor and Lourdes Robles, Nidia Alarcón, Juan Carlos Elvir, Mark Gorman, Gladis Castellanos, Jorge López, Desideria Pérez, Roberto Álvarez, Cari DeSantis, Amado Rodríguez, Richard and Judy Seaman, and Ted and Sue Crawford.

Adding a deeply special touch to the evening, Ruth Brown, a close and dear friend of Kathy, traveled all the way from the United States to Honduras to be by her side during this meaningful celebration. The tribute became even more powerful when Kathy’s mother, Mary Tschiegg, appeared with a message of pride and love for her daughter.

A Gift of Giving

In keeping with Kathy’s spirit, no gifts were requested. Instead, those who wished to honor her contributed through donations to CAMO—continuing the mission she has devoted her life to building.

More Than a Birthday

This was more than a celebration. It was a quiet reminder of the impact one life can have when dedicated to service, compassion, and humanity.

Kathy is not only the founder of CAMO—she is a bridge between countries, a leader of quiet strength, and a living example of what it means to serve with purpose.