People sometimes ask us, "Why Guatemala?" Even without the connection our co-founder had to Guatemala (Todd Peterson lived there as a Peace Corps Volunteer), we would find Guatemala compelling. We urge you to visit and see for yourself.  Help us in our work to make all parts of Guatemala livable for its children and future generations. 


If you cannot visit, read the work of Nobel Prize–winning Miguel Ángel Asturias Rosales, be swept away by the poetry of Otto Rene Castillo, or jump into the novel :The Rest is Silence" by Augusto Monterroso. And of course, there is Nobel-prize winning Rigoberta Menchu....

2012 Program Update

It has been a looooong while since we have posted, but we have been busy:

Targeted Infant Nutrition (for children with cleft lip/palate):  

In 2012 We are expanding the number of infants served, and exploring alternatives to formula--help expressing milk, breast pumps, preparing local foods--and we are training local Midwives in these new methods.  

Challenge Campaign:

The collective challenge we have given ourselves in 2012 is to reach more kids with cleft lip/palate within two days of their birth. The campaign will be rolling out in the next month or two.

Cervical Cancer Prevention:

We have screened 200 women already this year, and continue to train Guatemalan Ministry of Health nurses to detect and treat cervical cancer in its precancerous stages.  We are honored to have been asked to present at a Cervical Cancer Conference in Guatemala this June.

Surgical Missions:

For the first time, in 2012 we will be prepositioning surgical supplies for the use of US, and Guatemalan, volunteer doctors.  Securing and storing supplies is expensive, but more doctors will be able to volunteer as a result.

Patient records:

We have developed a system for quick retrieval of patient records.  It was challenging when so many languages (English, Spanish, Mayan). We will be able to share records with local clinics.

Mobile Medical Missions:

We have already had three missions to remote areas in 2012, and helped 500+ people. 


Thank you, all volunteers!

News from Partner for Surgery: July to September 2011

The summer has been busy... Maynor is a helpful and courageous boy who always has a smile for everyone. As his mobility is restored, Maynor has a lot to smile about.


Read more about Maynor and Partner For Surgery's summer activities..

Mayan Families Family Aid Program: Great News for Cristobalina!!

Mayan Families Family Aid Program: Great News for Cristobalina!!Christobalina was brought by Mayan Families Family Aid Program to our July surgical mission with Faces of Hope. The story of a courageous and talented young girl, as she receives some much needed help ...

Ten Years and Growing: March - June 2011

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, Partner for Surgery continues to transform lives. The last three months have seen medical missions, surgical teams, a successful fundraiser, new staff and recognition from Rotary International. The work goes on, with our patients providing the inspiration to move forward. Read more...

Medical Triage in El Quiché in May 2011

Partner for Surgery medical triage mission in May 2011.
Destinations are Chupol, San Juan Cotzal, Sacapulas, and Chicaman, all in Department El Quiché.

In Chajul, Volunteer Becky visits with Fredy's sisters. Fredy was a cleft baby who was placed on the Partner for Surgery nutrition program, allowing him to gain weight and thrive with enriched formula and a special nurser designed for babies who cannot suck properly.

Director of Rural Operations Fife Bentley asking about Fredy, a cleft child who was put on the PfS nutrition program, which likely saved his life. Fredy will be programmed for cleft repair surgery once he gains enough weight and is old enough.

Fredy with his grandmother and older sister.

Arriving in Chajul for a home-cooked lunch of Boxboles, squash leaves steamed with corn polenta and served with spicy tomato-based or peanut-based salsa.

The Partner for Surgery triage team awaits instruction on where to setup their examination rooms and equipment just prior to the medical mission in Sacapulas, El Quiché, Guatemala.

Volunteer Becky reading in Spanish to local children outside the medical center in San Juan Cotzal, El Quiché after a successful triage.

Centro de Salud (Local Health Center) in Chupol, El Quiché, Guatemala. Patients have lined up early to be screened for surgery

The Partner for Surgery Triage team visits the Iximche Ruin on their cultural day.

Volunteers Becky and Lynn overlooking La Antigua, Guatemala, from the Cruz del Monte path. Volunteers met up in Antigua for the medical mission.

May Quiche Medical Mission

We are awaiting the arrival of the remainder of the team. Dinner with the team this evening. We depart Sunday morning- destinations are Chupol, San Juan Cotzal, Sacapulas, and Chicaman, all in Department El Quiche. We will post updates and photos as we are able.