It is very exciting to kickstart our partnership in neurotrauma in Sucre this week with a large and diverse team of U.S. and Bolivian participants. The dream for this initiative at the Hospital Santa Bárbara began a few years ago with extensive interviews and the creation of a baseline assessment of the hospital services. During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our plans were slowed but never discarded. This week, our vision for a multi-disciplinary neurotrauma initiative is finally beginning to take shape.

Dr. Joe Sherman (right front in photo) is accompanying and facilitating the team of 11 U.S. health professionals, seven Bolivian medical student interpreters, and three staff members from Solidarity Bridge and Puente de Solidaridad. All of us gathered on Sunday evening for an opening reflection to start the week. We were also joined by our host from the Hospital Santa Bárbara, Dr. David Gardeazabal.

Dr. Sherman began the reflection by drawing our attention to a tarabuco tapestry on the table in the center of the room. This hand-woven textile is made in Sucre with many vibrant-colored threads. It represents a tradition passed down through generations of indigenous peoples from the Chuquisaca region. For our team, the tarabuco serves as a metaphor for our work together.

Three candles were placed on the tapestry. One represents the Neurosurgery & Neurology Institute team made up of missioners who traveled from all over the U.S. to volunteer their time and talents this week, working side-by-side with their Bolivian colleagues. Another candle represents the staff of the Hospital Santa Bárbara who work tirelessly to care for patients who suffer from neurotrauma. The candle in the middle represents the patients of the Santa Bárbara Hospital and the people of Sucre who are at the center of our mission this week.

We then passed around a tray filled with threads. Each person took and reflected on a single strand representing their individual contributions to this initiative. When woven together, they will create a beautiful tapestry of compassion and hope for years to come. We were moved as the team shared the following thoughts, hopes, dreams, and fears:

There is so much division in the United States and in the world today. It makes me fearful for the future. But I don’t feel that way this week. This week we are coming together, and that gives me hope.

I’ve participated in several medical mission experiences throughout the world and with Solidarity Bridge many years ago. What gives me hope is the solid infrastructure I see in the SB & PdS staff and the solid relationships with our medical partners. That really gives me hope for the continuity of this work beyond our time together here.

This week we are planting seeds. It is the role of Puente de Solidaridad to water those seeds and tend to them, so that hopefully, the next time you come you will see flowers blooming.

For me, the thread I hold represents synchronicity and hope.… Somehow everything fell into place to make it possible for me to join you this week. I feel like I am meant to be here, and I look forward to making long-lasting connections with all of you here and with the people of Bolivia.

I have been involved with the Solidarity Bridge neurosurgery program for nearly fifteen years now. Some things work. Some things don’t. We have helped many patients. But the most important thing to me is what remains in my heart from all of these experiences. The mission stays with me in my heart.

It has been an honor to work with Solidarity Bridge for two trips now. While I believe I am blessed to help people in my routine practice, this encounter truly expands my experience and understanding of service and solidarity. I have great confidence in this team gathered here. I came in with many fears, but after meeting all of you I don’t feel afraid.

When I look at this thread, I think of a rope bridge crossing a great crevasse. Stepping forward above this crevasse may be scary, but when I look down at this bridge that is securely woven together with the contributions of so many, I feel confident that we can cross this divide together.

For me, this experience brings together so many of the things that I am passionate about. I am passionate about my culture and experience as a Colombian American. I am passionate about neurosurgery and global surgery. I have struggled to figure out how to bring these things together. This experience provides a point of convergence for these two deep passions.

I have braided my thread because for me the importance is in our complementarity. As a Bolivian physician who has had the privilege to work many times with Solidarity Bridge, I see very clearly how we as a group, Bolivian and American physicians, complement one another so well.

For me as a Bolivian medical student serving as an interpreter, this is such an incredible opportunity. I will always remember this experience. It is truly formative for me.

Dr. Gardeazabal closed the comments with the following:

When you are here, you are truly family. I commit to this work out of my love and fear of God. We are only human. We make mistakes. But I thank you for being here so that we can find our way forward together. I welcome you with warmth and gratitude, and no matter what this week holds, I hope you will come away with an understanding of these people and of this place. We welcome you here as family. Bienvenidos.

Stay tuned to hear more about our work together this week!

Through partnerships and collaborative actions that are measurable and sustainable, the Neurosurgery and Neurology Institute works to build capacity and expertise in Bolivia and Paraguay in order to increase access to safe, affordable and timely health care.

We are committed to alleviating the suffering, death and disability from neurological disorders and injuries that disproportionately impact patients in the countries where we serve.

In a World Rife with Division, Coming Together Brings Hope