“A head surgery is what keeps her alive”. These are the words of Aura Alberto, mother of Evelyn Rocío, a young girl born with hydrocephalus. Thanks to CAMO’s Neurosurgery Program and its partnership with Hospital de Occidente, Evelyn received the life-saving operation she desperately needed.
Aura recalls the painful months after her daughter’s birth. Thirteen years ago, when Evelyn Rocío was born with hydrocephalus, there was no medical response available in public hospitals. For the first four months of her life, she went without treatment. The lack of medical attention led to a severe infection, leaving her with lifelong consequences.
“She was four months old when I brought her to Hospital de Occidente. That’s when they operated on her. That’s why she is alive today,” says Aura.
For more than 15 years, CAMO has strengthened the neurosurgery program at Hospital de Occidente, ensuring that children like Evelyn receive the care they need. However, the program relies heavily on financial support to continue saving lives.
Dr. Roberto Álvarez, the neurosurgeon leading this initiative, explains “unfortunately, in countries like ours, the incidence of children born with hydrocephalus is high. While this could be prevented, malnutrition among pregnant women—caused by extreme poverty—is a major contributing factor”.
Dr. Álvarez and his team treat four to five hydrocephalus cases every month, but the costs are overwhelming for a public hospital with limited resources. That’s where Ruta Copán comes in.Ruta Copán: A Community-Driven Fundraising Event That Saves Lives
Ruta Copán is an annual fundraising event organized by the Honduran Association of Classic and Antique Cars (AHACA) to support CAMO’s Neurosurgery Program. This initiative provides life-saving surgeries to children with hydrocephalus and other neurological conditions, in collaboration with Hospital de Occidente and the Honduran Ministry of Health.
Since 2017, Ruta Copán has raised between $20,000 and $28,000 per year, providing essential funds for neurosurgical supplies, medical equipment, and patient care. This event has become a lifeline for many children who would otherwise not have access to the treatment they need to survive.
YOU can be part of this life-changing initiative! Make a donation—every contribution makes a difference.
CAMO is a non-denominational, Christian-based, humanitarian organization that brings life-saving medical services, education and community development to Central America.
