The Ties That Bind
The Gynecologic Surgery Mission Trip to Sucre, Bolivia, concluded on Friday after completing seven successful surgeries. Six of the seven surgeries were performed laparoscopically, providing important opportunities for the Bolivian surgeons at the Instituto Chuquisaqueno de Oncologia (ICO) to hone their minimally-invasive surgery skills. The mission also served to identify and fill surgical equipment and supply needs at ICO, ensuring that the local doctors can continue to expand laparoscopic treatment options for their patients.
Following the final surgery on Friday, we gathered for our traditional closing ceremony of mutual gratitude, blessing, and testimony. US Gynecologic Oncologist Erin Stevens shared the following reflection addressed to the ICO surgeons:
CONNECTION, an art installation by Sofia Hansen
When I was leaving my home in Wisconsin to come to Sucre last week, there was an art show at the Green Bay airport. One exhibit consisted of several hands, palms up, coming out from the wall. The hands were holding strings, joining the hands. The strings were tied in knots and were different lengths and colors. These strings were meant to show the connections between those who give and those who receive. The artist’s note on the wall expressed her hope that the piece will inspire others to consider the connection we all have to each other, the need for community, and the collaborations that make our community come together. Everyone plays a part.
That is why we do these trips with Solidarity Bridge. To give, and to receive. To teach, and to learn. It goes both ways. I am not just the teacher on these missions – I am also the student. We are in this together.
I am so proud of what we have accomplished this week. You are very skilled surgeons and fast learners. But this week is just one in the many weeks of great accomplishment in the history of ICO. What you do here changes the lives of so many Bolivian women and their families. This change happens one woman at a time. And I believe that you have the ability and the motivation to change cancer care here in Bolivia. I thank you for allowing me and our team to be a small part of that.
We have since returned home, and yet the ties that bind us will keep us connected in the months and years to come. Solidarity Bridge and Puente de Solidaridad have supported the ICO hospital since its founding, and are committed to continuing a long-term partnership. We will continue to learn from each other as we gather virtually for presentations and case discussions, track down key supplies and equipment, and plan future mission trips.
Thank you to our incredible mission team, the brilliant ICO physicians and other professionals, and all our supporters who helped make another successful mission trip possible!