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News Media Releases

CAMO and World Vision Join Forces to Transform Communities in Honduras

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CAMO and World Vision have signed a partnership agreement aimed at directly impacting community development and the holistic transformation of communities in Honduras.

The primary objective of the agreement is to coordinate efforts between CAMO and World Vision Honduras to support economically disadvantaged individuals by providing quality comprehensive care services and improving their living conditions.

With a three-year duration, this agreement will facilitate the delivery of healthcare services, education programs, and community development initiatives by CAMO to communities within the areas of influence of both organizations.

Karen Ramos, Country Program Director for World Vision Honduras, who visited CAMO, stated, “This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in reaching new territories we want to serve. With CAMO, we will be able to reach many more people. We have a strong focus on children and people with disabilities.”

Patricia Bueso, President of the Board of Directors of CAMO Honduras, added, “Through this agreement, we will reach communities that currently lack access to the services provided by CAMO, particularly the most vulnerable populations.”

This strategic alliance stems from the need to strengthen both World Vision’s and CAMO’s efforts. Both organizations share the goal of providing services effectively and efficiently, coordinating our work with other organizations and specialized networks in sustainable development to amplify the impact of our interventions, and complementing efforts for comprehensive human transformation.

Testimonies

CAMO Transforms a Community Through Its Commitment to Education

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In the heart of Copán, Honduras, the small community of El Hichozal, located 7 kilometers southeast of Corquín, is experiencing a transformation rooted in the education of its children.

With a population of 30 students between the Jorge Enrique López School and the Gelzy Marelia Gutiérrez School, life in this rural area unfolds in a setting of humility and significant challenges.

CAMO, through its Education Department, decided to make a difference in this educational community, and this support has extended to the entire community.

Since starting its collaboration in 2019, CAMO, through donations and training, has provided support that has made a significant difference in the community.

Oscar Justiniano, the director of the Jorge Enrique López School, commented, “Although it is a small community, its people are organized and entrepreneurial. However, we face issues like malnutrition, lack of educational support, and health problems, among others.”

The connection with CAMO represents hope for El Hichozal. CAMO has provided the school with textbooks for core subjects, organizes evaluation brigades for students, distributes food to families affected by malnutrition, among other initiatives.

“The program has generated a positive impact on the educational community, improving the academic level of the students and motivating parents and teachers. We have seen significant progress in literacy, even achieving top places in speed and comprehensive reading in the municipality of Corquín,” Justiniano noted.

“Quality education changes people’s lives, develops and empowers individuals in all aspects of life,” the teacher concluded.

News Media Releases

CAMO Prepares for the Spinal Surgery Brigade in October

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CAMO, with the collaboration of American volunteers from its International Medical Brigade, the medical team from the Neurosurgery Program, the Honduran Ministry of Health, and the Hospital de Occidente, is preparing to carry out its eleventh Spinal Surgery Brigade from October 20 to 25.

This brigade, led by American neurosurgeon Dr. JC Tabet and Honduran counterpart Dr. Roberto Álvarez, is aimed at patients who have already been diagnosed and require surgery but have been unable to access the procedure due to high costs or surgical backlogs in other hospitals in the country.

During a press conference held at CAMO’s facilities, Dr. Roberto Álvarez, accompanied by CAMO Honduras’ executive director, José Bautista, highlighted the importance of this brigade, which is now in its eleventh annual edition.

“We are still in the process of evaluating patients. If someone with a prior diagnosis has been indicated for surgery, they can come to CAMO for an evaluation,” commented Dr. Álvarez.

About 30 people are expected to be evaluated to determine who will be candidates for surgery, and from these, around 15 patients are expected to undergo surgery.

Testimonies

CAMO’s Neurosurgery Program Gave José a Second Chance to Walk

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José Quintanilla, a 68-year-old farmer from the community of Las Flores, Lempira, dedicated his life to working the land to support his family. However, everything changed when he unexpectedly lost mobility in his legs, arms, and hands, nearly becoming quadriplegic.

“I started with bone pain and couldn’t stand up. I began using a cane for support, but one day I just fell,” José recalled. Over the course of eight months, he not only completely lost mobility in his legs but also in his arms and hands. “I was bedridden for almost nine months and suffered for more than a year,” he added.

Desperate, he sought help from various doctors, even considering options in El Salvador. Finally, he arrived in Santa Rosa de Copán, where he contacted neurosurgeon Roberto Álvarez, who leads CAMO’s Neurosurgery Program at the Hospital de Occidente. CAMO is where José Genaro found hope.

Dr. Álvarez explained that José “had a condition in his cervical spine that caused spinal cord compression due to progressive narrowing, which nearly left him quadriplegic. If the patient had waited a little longer, there would have been no hope of seeing this outcome; he could have been bedridden for life.”

Eight months ago, José underwent life-saving surgery that, in a private clinic, he would not have been able to afford. However, thanks to CAMO, he only had to cover the cost of a cervical plate and screws. The rest of the necessary equipment for the surgery was provided by CAMO and the Hospital de Occidente.

Today, José has regained his mobility and independence: “I ask God to keep improving me so I can return to working the land and continue being the support for my six children, my grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,” he shared emotionally.

Testimonies

Rosa Regains Her Sight Thanks to a Corneal Transplant

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Rosa Mélida, a 78-year-old woman, is in the process of regaining her vision after years of blindness in her right eye.

Restoring her sight was made possible through a corneal transplant performed via CAMO’s Ophthalmology Program in collaboration with the Robles Ophthalmology Center.

Originally from the community of San Juan de Opoa, Rosa lost her vision due to corneal decompensation.

“I couldn’t see anything. They had to hold me to walk; I couldn’t do it because when I sat down, I felt like I might fall,” she recounted, describing the difficulties she faced before the surgery.

The surgical intervention was possible thanks to cornea donations from the United States, arranged by the medical team at the University of San Francisco and transported to Honduras to benefit patients like Rosa.

The surgery, performed by the team from the Robles Ophthalmology Center and CAMO, brought light back to the patient’s eyes.

After the operation and medical evaluation, Rosa expressed relief, “Thank God I can now see where I’m going to sit or where I’m going to walk,” she said. “I was worried, very anxious, but I had faith that they would operate on me and that I would regain my vision.”

Before losing her sight, Rosa was dedicated to household chores, especially cooking, an activity she had to abandon due to her condition. “I couldn’t do anything, but God willing, I’ll be able to do more things now,” she expressed excitedly.

Rosa’s case is one of many that CAMO has addressed in its efforts to improve the quality of life in Honduran communities through health and education programs.

Quarterly

Newsletter Summer_2024

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This is not a decision I take lightly. Many individuals have come through our doors with impressive resumes, only for us to discover that their skills, stamina, motives and/or passion for our mission were lacking.
In 2018, after 14 years of a slow revolving door, Rachel Foltz knocked on my door, brimming with passion for the people we serve.

She and her support group expressed a desire to learn from CAMO to develop an NGO like CAMO.
Those who resist these compromises are often met with threats while those who choose tolerance and compromise gradually erode the standards without causing offense, garnering the world’s favor. more

View on PDF

Testimonies

The Struggle and Recovery of Will After Suffering a Tragic Accident

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Although he is unable to verbally communicate the challenges he faced and the daily struggle he encounters, his smile and cheerful gaze are his testimony of miracles and perseverance.

José Will, affectionately known as “Willito,” lives with his mother, Norma, in a small home with no running water or electricity.

Growing up, Will enjoyed going to church, helping with houschold chores, selling fruits and picking coffee; however, their lives changed forever on March 24, 2021 when Will fell from a second story building, fracturing his skull.

The accident left him bedridden and on a ventilator for months.

His parents began to think their 13-year-old son would never recover.

Ten months after Will’s first surgery, he was in needed a second procedure; however, due to the family’s limited financial resources, Norma decided to contact CAMO’s neurosurgery program.

Dr. Alvarez successfully performed the second surgery and with the help of physical therapy, Will began to regain mobility!

Although the accident affected his mobility and speech, Will shows unbreakable strength and admirable determination.

He dreams of becoming a car washer in the future.

Now 16, Will and his family receive assistance through CAMO’s Nutrition Program, which provides monthly buckets of food.

Hecontinues to work hard daily, learning to read, developing his artistic and academic skills, and facing every obstacle with courage. His story is a touching testimony of resilience and is why CAMO works daily to bring hope and healing to people like Will.

News Media Releases

Trade School’s Expansion: A Project to Strengthen Health Professional Training

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In recent weeks, CAMO has achieved one of its biggest dreams and main projects: the expansion of the Trade School (ETAOO) in Santa Rosa de Copán. 

After 11 months of execution, we have recently seen the culmination of this infrastructure project, which will strengthen the training of health professionals in Honduras.

Project Description:

Established in 1989, ETAOO is a non-profit trade school in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, committed to community development through education and skills training.

For three decades, ETAOO has offered various courses, including gastronomy, carpentry, barista skills, beauty and cosmetology, electrical work, barbering, welding, and computer skills, among others.

In response to the school’s growth, a strategic initiative was launched in 2017 with the mission of expanding the school’s facilities by constructing two new buildings, modern workshops, and revitalizing the main building, allowing ETAOO to serve the community and continue fostering social progress.

The construction includes connectivity work, such as building sidewalks, installing accessible ramps, and improving storm sewer infrastructure to ensure safe and convenient access for all students and visitors.

A Project to Grow:

The construction of the second floor of the CAMO Building will serve as classrooms dedicated to first aid courses and American Heart Association training.

The completion of the building is valued at approximately $122,614.85.

The construction of the second floor of the CAMO Building began on August 17, 2023, and was completed in July 2024.

An Impact on Health Professionals:

This newly constructed space now serves as a training center dedicated to first responder courses, American Heart Association training, and nursing protocols, significantly enhancing CAMO’s ability to educate and train health professionals in Honduras. The new CAMO Training Center will have a profound impact on emergency cardiovascular care in Honduras.

As the primary National Registry of the American Heart Association (AHA), CAMO is crucial in training and educating medical staff in basic and advanced life support. Before CAMO’s involvement, many medical professionals in Honduras lacked even basic CPR training.

Through partnerships, CAMO has certified countless professionals in AHA standards, with reports of lives saved as a direct result.

Testimonies

Alex and Deris: The Impact on Their Lives from Receiving Orthoses to Improve Their Condition

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The lives of children with mobility issues can change with timely help and solidarity. 

Two children have the opportunity to change their lives thanks to donations that support CAMO’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Program.

The Story of Alex Bonilla (2 years old)

Alex Bonilla and his grandmother María traveled for over four hours to Santa Rosa de Copán, hoping to find a solution at CAMO for Alex’s physical limitations.

At three months old, Alex suffered seizures that led to cerebral palsy, forever changing his life and that of his family.

María, a dedicated grandmother, fights to ensure Alex receives the necessary care.

With the collaboration of CAMO and the FAKS Foundation, Alex received KAFOs with hip abduction, specifically made for him in CAMO’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Lab.

Additionally, due to their economic situation, Alex was included in CAMO’s Nutrition Program to ensure he grows as best as possible, given that he also faces malnutrition issues.

The Struggle of Deris Guerra (11 years old)

Deris Guerra, from Santa Rita, Copán, has another inspiring story. CAMO’s patient since 2016, Deris shows dedication to his education and rehabilitation.

He was born premature and with cerebral palsy, but along with his mother Xiomara, he has overcome many challenges.

Xiomara and Deris travel four hours to reach CAMO, where he recently received new fixed AFOs for both feet, financed by the FAKS Foundation, as his previous ones no longer fit due to his growth.

Deris has undergone three surgeries to lengthen tendons and follows a rigorous physical therapy program.

Our Prosthetics and Orthotics Program

CAMO started this program in April 2001 in Santa Rosa de Copán, responding to the needs of people with physical disabilities in the region.

The program offers services for physical condition evaluation, design, and manufacturing of orthotic/prosthetic devices, and rehabilitation care.

Orthoses, such as AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses) and KAFOs (knee-ankle-foot orthoses), help stabilize joints and maintain proper body alignment, facilitating mobility and allowing children to move more safely and effectively.

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