While it is not our primary focus, we recognize that advocacy is an important tool to promote access to safe, timely, and affordable surgeries for the patients we aim to serve. This past spring, we met with other global surgery experts to push for more investment in surgical services.

After years of watiing, 11 patients found the healing care they needed through our recent Neuro trip to Paraguay. For the three patients profiled here, they also found a supportive family to walk with them through their journey to healing.

Our first three days in Paraguay included a Stroke Symposium, endovascular procedures, a cerebral bypass surgery, a presentation on revascularization, dinner with the Paraguayan Neurosurgical Society, and a two-day workshop on microsurgical bypass skills.

Over 60 residents, students, and early-career doctors in Bolivia and Paraguay are participating in a UW-Madison virtual neurosurgery residency program facilitated by the NNI.

This year at our FIESTA Gala, we are proud to present our Solidarity Award to neurosurgeon Dr. John Weaver, a 10-time missioner who personifies solidarity, generosity and a deep commitment to care. 

At our 2023 FIESTA Gala, we are honored to recognize an organization that has done more than any other to help us advance our vision that medical professionals have the necessary resources to serve their communities in Bolivia and Paraguay.

Our work at Solidarity Bridge is an attempt to follow Jesus’ example of service, love, and human connection.

Resuming our in-person partnership with the Oncological Institute of Eastern Bolivia this month, our main goal was to provide specialized training and fill essential surgical equipment and supply needs. But we also traveled to the Cancer Institute to share the burden, albeit for just one week, of the ups and downs of cancer care.

In today’s gospel, Mary and Martha are confronted with their brothers’ serious illness. Their fear, worry and desperation are what many patients and their families feel when they receive the diagnosis of a surgically treatable condition, but are unable to access the needed operation.

Florentino’s health was declining minute by minute. He was not expected to survive the night. Bolivian Dr. Susana Aviles and US Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria consulted and they agreed they would operate together as soon as Florentino could be prepped.

This week, we finally return to work in-person with our colleagues at the Cancer Institute of Eastern Bolivia. Our last visit was in 2019, and much has changed since then.

Today, as Lent begins, you are invited to take time to read some of our stories – stories of patients in need of medical care they cannot access; stories of medical providers going to great lengths to change the health care realities in their communities; stories of hearts and lives transformed.