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News Media Releases

Saving Lives in Honduras Through Medical Training

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In Honduras, Emergency Medicine is not yet recognized as a medical specialty, creating serious gaps in urgent care. That is why every volunteer physician who brings training can make an immediate impact.

During a recent CAMO medical brigade, Dr. Tony Lazcano traveled from the United States to serve in the Emergency Department at Hospital de Occidente, a unit built by CAMO. While treating patients, he trained doctors, nurses, and medical students in emergency protocols that will continue saving lives long after he returned home.

One key lesson was the use of C-PAP machines, which help patients in respiratory failure breathe again. During that same week, several patients improved because the team had learned how to use this life-saving equipment correctly. Trauma patients, including victims of motorcycle accidents, were also treated.

Building Respiratory Therapy in Honduras

For more than 25 years, CAMO has worked to establish Respiratory Therapy in Honduras, where respiratory illness remains one of the leading causes of death.

For the past four years, respiratory therapists Wendy Castro and Karen Schell have returned regularly to train healthcare professionals alongside four professors from a private university, helping build the curriculum for this much-needed profession.

Every six months, new teams return to continue the training. Each visit brings knowledge that immediately helps patients struggling to breathe.

A Lasting Impact

Because when a healthcare worker knows how to restore a patient’s breath, a life can be saved.

News Media Releases

Celebrating a Life of Service: Kathy Turns 70

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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.

Quarterly

Newsletter

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One reality we do not always discuss openly is that many mission efforts are centered primarily on the experience of the volunteer. Participants serve for a short time, return home inspired, and carry meaningful memories and stories with them.
These experiences can be valuable. But the deeper question we must always ask is: What remains for the community after the volunteers return home?
Sustainable development cannot be built on short-term presence alone. It requires long-term relationships, strong local leadership, and consistent follow-up.
Understanding culture and community needs is not something that happens in a week. One cannot walk through a community you must walk with the community.
Even after four decades immersed in both cultures, I am still learning every day.

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Testimonies

A Fragile Beginning — A Chance for Hope in Honduras

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When a six-month-old baby arrived weighing only four pounds and struggling to breathe, our medical team knew something was terribly wrong.

Ana had come for cleft lip and palate surgery—but she was far too weak to survive it.

Her mother, Rosa, a shy indigenous woman, held her tightly. She had traveled 12 hours across rural Honduras, hoping someone could save her baby.

Doctors soon discovered the truth: severe malnutrition, pneumonia, and anemia.
Before any surgery could happen, Ana needed a chance to live.

After eight critical days in the hospital, Ana was finally stable—but her journey was just beginning.CAMO’s Nutrition Program in Honduras stepped in.

With the support of nutritionist Bianca Ramírez, Dr. Joe and Dr. Deb Marino, and Dr. Javier Pérez, Ana began receiving medical care, nutrition therapy, and daily support. She and her mother were also welcomed into CAMO’s Women’s Shelter during a time of severe food insecurity.

And then—something beautiful began to happen.

In just 15 days, Ana has gained nearly 3 pounds.
She looks healthier. Stronger.

And when we visit her, her face now lights up with a smile full of life.

This is what hope looks like.

Ana is now on the path to becoming strong enough for the life-changing surgery she needs.But her story is not unique.

For over 10 years, CAMO’s Nutrition Program has supported children and families facing malnutrition and limited access to healthcare in Honduras—helping patients grow stronger, heal, and reclaim their future.

In the past decade alone, CAMO has provided more than 33,600 nutrition consultations and treatments to vulnerable patients.

Behind every number is a life transformed.
A child gaining strength.
A family finding hope again.

Be part of stories like Anita’s. Learn more and support at camo.org/foodforhealing

News Media Releases

Rescue in Honduras Highlights Firefighter Equipment Impact

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A serious traffic accident in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, recently demonstrated how critical specialized rescue equipment can be in saving lives during emergency response operations.

The collision occurred on the outskirts of the city when a young man driving a small vehicle collided with a pickup truck.

The impact left the driver trapped inside the wrecked vehicle for approximately 30 minutes, unable to escape as emergency responders assessed the scene.Emergency response in Santa Rosa de Copán

The 911 emergency system arrived first but did not have the specialized tools needed to extract the victim safely. As time passed, the situation became increasingly critical.

Shortly after, the Santa Rosa de Copán Fire Department, led by Corporal Pedro García, arrived at the scene with hydraulic rescue equipment known as the Jaws of Life (vehicle rescue tools).

Within just 15 minutes, firefighters were able to cut through the twisted metal and successfully extricate the young man from the vehicle.

He was later transferred for medical care after surviving a potentially fatal polytrauma incident.The impact of lifesaving equipment in Honduras

This rescue highlights the importance of modern emergency tools in regions where road traffic accidents are frequent and terrain can delay response times.

The hydraulic rescue equipment used in this operation was made possible through a donation facilitated by CAMO, along with training provided to the entire fire department.

“Before, we had to improvise”

Corporal Pedro García, who has served as a firefighter for 35 years, reflected on the transformation this equipment has brought to their work:

“When we didn’t have this machinery, we had to improvise with whatever tools we could to rescue people. This donation was ideal for the work we do. We now have the best equipment we could have ever imagined. The training was essential, and we have already carried out several rescues of people trapped in vehicles. In this specific case in Barrio Los Ángeles, one always wants to rescue people alive—having the right tools makes all the difference.”

Training, equipment, and lives saved

Following the donation, firefighters from Santa Rosa de Copán received hands-on training, strengthening their capacity to respond to high-risk traffic accidents across the region.

Since then, the department has responded to dozens of serious road incidents across western Honduras, where winding roads and high traffic increase the risk of severe collisions.

What happened in this rescue underscores a powerful truth: access to proper emergency equipment saves lives.

From training to tools like the Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue system, firefighters now have the resources they need to respond faster and more effectively when every second counts.

Testimonies

CAMO Neurosurgery and Maxillofacial Team Save a Life

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José Wilfredo Pineda, 38, a father of two and hardworking merchant, faced a rare, life-changing challenge: a maxillary mixoma, a benign but aggressive tumor growing in his jawbone.

In February 2025, José’s family noticed that his eye was starting to shift. Concerned, they first consulted an ophthalmologist. A CT scan revealed a tumor, and José underwent multiple tests and cancer treatments over four months—but nothing worked.

Even after visiting public and private hospitals, doctors warned that surgery was too risky and potentially life-threatening. They said the only option was to wait as the tumor grew, risking his face and brain.Finding Hope Through CAMO

Refusing to give up, José sought one last opinion—and that led him to CAMO.

On December 3, 2025, Dr. Javier Pérez, a maxillofacial surgeon and CAMO volunteer, coordinated with the neurosurgery team led by Dr. Roberto Álvarez at Hospital de Occidente. Using a state-of-the-art surgical neuronavigator donated by CAMO, the team reduced the risks of this complex surgery and decided to operate.

Life-Saving Surgery

On January 14, 2026, José underwent successful surgery. His wife shared:

“We were turned away everywhere, and having him operated on was nothing short of a miracle in our lives.”

Dr. Pérez said:

“My greatest motivation was knowing this is a young father, a fighter. With a strong team and God’s help, everything worked out.”A Remarkable Recovery

Only 55 days later, José reunited with the doctors who operated on him, showing rapid and remarkable recovery. He continues his rehabilitation, has returned to work after a year, and will receive further treatment to restore his smile fully.How CAMO’s Collaborative Model Transforms Lives in Honduras

José’s story shows how CAMO’s unique model of care—coordinating support from the U.S. with the expertise of local professionals in Honduras—makes it possible to treat even the most complex cases.

With advanced surgical equipment, skilled professionals, and compassionate care, life-saving procedures become a reality for patients who might otherwise have no options.

Learn more or support CAMO’s life-changing work at camo.org

Bimonthly update

CAMO IN FOCUS JAN – FEB 2026

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Read CAMO IN FOCUS JAN – FEB 2026

Thanks to SG Foundation, 244 books reached two rural schools in Honduras today! Students are gaining knowledge, imagination, and stronger reading skills. One school proudly shared victories in math and reading competitions—a testament to their hard work and CAMO’s support. Each book is a doorway to dreams and a brighter future.

View on PDF

Testimonies

Mileyda Isabella: A Smile in the Face of Adversity

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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.

These photographs capture a glimpse of Mileyda’s story and her journey to healing
Testimonies

Edgar’s Miracle Recovery: Walking Again After Near-Fatal Crash

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On June 5, 2025, 20-year-old Edgar Javier Murillo Prado suffered a devastating motorcycle accident in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. He was not wearing a helmet. The crash left him with severe traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and dependent on a ventilator to survive.

For two months, he lay unconscious in a hospital bed. Doctors gave his family almost no hope. At one point, they prepared to disconnect life support. His mother, Irene, never left his side. She prayed. She waited. And against all odds, Edgar opened his eyes.

He could not walk. He could not speak. He depended on a tracheostomy to breathe and was severely malnourished. When he was discharged—due to limited hospital resources in Honduras—his recovery was far from complete. His mother carried him home to their rural community with no income and no clear path forward.Desperate for help, she found CAMO

When Edgar first arrived at CAMO, he was being carried in his mother’s arms. He was thin, fragile, and in visible pain. That day, he received more than medical care—he found compassionate support. He was immediately placed in urgent treatment through gastroenterology and nutrition services and given a wheelchair suited to his condition.

Month by month, his progress amazed everyone

By October, he was speaking again and gaining weight.
By December, he walked into CAMO without a wheelchair.
By February, his tracheostomy was removed, and he shared his story of survival.

Today, Edgar continues his recovery and has joined a road safety awareness campaign led by CAMO and a local university in Santa Rosa de Copán, helping educate young people in Honduras about motorcycle accidents and helmet safety.

His dream is simple: buy a car, sell vegetables, and help his mother.

He didn’t just survive. He walked back into life.

Testimonies

Hope After Paralysis: How CAMO Supports Francisco

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Francisco Escobar was just 23 when one moment changed everything. While walking in nature, he fell from a great height—“like falling five stories,” he recalls—and woke up paralyzed from the waist down. Emergency surgery saved his life, but his independence was gone.

Now 31, Francisco lives alone in a small apartment. He spends most of his days in bed and uses a wheelchair to move. Despite the challenges, his spirit remains unbroken. Calm, kind, and determined, he earns a modest living selling items online, holding onto the independence he can still claim.

Years of immobility caused deep wounds on his lower back, needing constant medical care. Bianca Ramírez, CAMO’s Nutrition Program Leader in Honduras, explains that proper nutrition—rich in protein and essential amino acids—is crucial for healing and maintaining muscle. Without it, recovery is nearly impossible.

Francisco is registered as a nutrition case with CAMO. Living alone, unable to work full time, and facing food insecurity, he depends on consistent support. That’s where CAMO steps in.

Through the support of Harvest Call, CAMO delivers food baskets, specialized nutritional formulas, wound care, and weekly visits that bring both medical help and human connection. Francisco’s wounds are healing, and, most importantly, he knows he is not alone.

Because when life comes to a sudden halt, hope—nurtured by care and compassion—can still move forward.

Francisco’s story shows how hope, care, and proper nutrition can change lives. You can help people like Francisco through CAMO’s Nutrition Program. Your support provides food, specialized nutritional formulas, and medical care to those who need it most.

Donate today and make a difference: www.camo.org/donate

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