Healing is a Sign of Hope

“Healing is a sign of hope.” Mons. Carlos Curiel, anesthesiologist and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cochabamba Bolivia, shared these words this week when over 45 people gathered via Zoom to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Puente de Solidaridad (PdS). He thanked PdS for faithfully being and building bridges in this world marked by division. And he prayed for God’s abundant grace to continue to be poured out on their mission of healing.

Members of the PdS Santa Cruz staff.

This special celebration gathered people from Bolivia and the United States and included members of the staff and boards of Puente de Solidaridad and Solidarity Bridge, Bolivian Bishops, Bolivian and US mission doctors, volunteers and supporters. It began with sharing PdS’ founding history and stories from the last 15 years.

Executive Director Patricia Vargas explained that Puente de Solidaridad was born in 2005 to logistically organize medical missions from the United States. But, quickly, the organization began to take on its own characteristics and is now a permanent mission serving the health needs of the Bolivian people. “To be on permanent mission,” Vargas said, “is to spread the Word to all who need it.” Like Solidarity Bridge, Puente de Solidaridad is a mission of the Catholic laity in action. Comprised of people from different faith backgrounds and beliefs, they share a commitment to make the world a better place. In her opening remarks, Vargas explained that over these 15 years, many bridges have been built between the United States and Bolivia, but also between Bolivians; between institutions, doctors, and hospitals. “Together we have been able to jointly make this dream a reality.” This dream has meant care for tens of thousands of patients throughout Bolivia and the delivery of medical equipment and supplies to doctors and hospitals in all nine states in the country.

Bolivian General Surgeon, Dr. Vicente Nogales shared his encounter with this dream. Dr. Nogales first learned of PdS from his colleagues at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santa Cruz. When he heard they were providing their surgical services pro-bono for patients who could not afford surgery, he was inspired. “It really moved me to see my colleagues doing this for the love of others - the love of those who could not afford it.” Since then, Dr. Nogales has participated on mission trips and become a key partner with PdS. He concluded his remarks with the hope and wish that PdS would “continue doing this work with the excellence you are known for.”

Healing, hope, dreams, love, excellence….

Members of the PdS Cochabamba staff.

These are just some of the words that characterize the community of Puente de Solidaridad and the mission they enliven. We, at Solidarity Bridge, are deeply privileged to do this work in partnership and co-responsibility with our colleagues at PdS. While our organizations operate from different continents and cultures, we believe we are both planted in the same fertile ground, responding to God’s call to heal the sick, confront injustice and inequity, and build community across division. Together, we share the desire to care for the most vulnerable and ensure that our efforts have a long-term, sustainable impact on the local health system.

Fifteen years after their founding, Puente de Solidaridad’s vision and leadership guides our shared work. And, in Bolivia, the PdS team runs all day-to-day operations for our four surgical programs. They establish and maintain relationships with hospitals around the country and are in constant communication with partner doctors. They maintain two supply warehouses and manage, distribute and monitor all medical supply and equipment donations. They also provide accompaniment and compassionate care to patients every day.

For so many of us privileged to work with the PdS team, it is not just what they do with such skill and excellence that touches us. We are touched by how they live their lives and fulfill their mission. Puente de Solidaridad is a true community; rooted in deep faith and embodying solidarity and love for all people.

US missioner Dr. Alvaro Encinas said during the anniversary celebration, “There really is no gift I can give to PdS that has not been given to me ten-fold.” His words ring true for all of us who have traveled to Bolivia as missioners or encountered our PdS colleagues on Solidarity Visits here at home. We are each deeply grateful to all who have been a part of creating Puente de Solidaridad’s first 15 years.

Puente de Solidaridad marks this 15-year milestone in the midst of a dark and challenging time. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Bolivia particularly hard and recent weeks have brought the virus very close to home for the PdS team. Yet, the strength and effectiveness of their mission is more evident today than ever. Thanks to trusting, long-term relationships in the medical community, and a deeply respected reputation among the general public, they are being called upon by patients, doctors and hospitals in this challenging time - even in new communities across the country. The need is tremendous and the Puente de Solidaridad team is doing all they can to respond, as they have so faithfully for the last 15 years.

We congratulate our beloved sister organization on their first 15 years of this work of healing which is indeed a sign of hope! Will you join us in helping launch their next 15 years with a celebratory gift of $15, $150, $1500?