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children screened

life-changing procedures

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Guatemala 2025

Advancing Surgical Care in Guatemala

In May 2025, Ohana One became the 172nd medical team to deliver surgical care to local children at the Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City. Our multidisciplinary outreach team—including plastic surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, and non-medical volunteers—spent a week collaborating closely with the Center’s staff.

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Patient Spotlight

Emmanuel Atoche Ruiz

Emmanuel Sr. and his son, Emmanuel Atoche Ruiz, fled political persecution in Venezuela and eventually settled in Guatemala City, where they sought help for Emmanuel’s untreated congenital condition. At 14, Emmanuel faced isolation and bullying that forced him to withdraw from school. Referred by a local clinic, they met with the Ohana One team at the Moore Center, where Dr. Ed Ray explained the surgical plan and eased their concerns. The surgery was successful, and Emmanuel is now recovering well, with plans to return to school. Emmanuel Sr. expressed deep gratitude for the care and support that have given his son a new beginning.

Patient Spotlight

Shelder Jacinto Xol Avila

Juana Avila traveled from Cobán to Guatemala City with her son, Shelder, after four unsuccessful surgeries for Cryptorchidism. Referred by a local health center, they connected with Ohana One and the Moore Center, where a multidisciplinary team provided thorough evaluations and expert care. The surgery was successful, ensuring proper placement and reducing future health risks. Ohana One volunteers helped ease Shelder’s anxiety during their stay with creative and playful activities. Juana expressed deep gratitude for the care, compassion, and support they received, highlighting the life-changing impact of collaborative, patient-centered outreach.

Patient Spotlight

Paco Rider

Paco and his mother Ditmara traveled from Nicaragua to Guatemala in search of specialized surgical care at the Moore Pediatric Surgery Center with Ohana One. After a long journey, they stayed with a relative before Paco’s evaluation for hypospadias and significant penile curvature. Lodging at the Ronald McDonald House eased their stay, while Ohana One volunteers helped Paco stay calm and engaged with activities. The surgical team conducted a full assessment, and the coordinated efforts of all partners provided essential care and support—showcasing the power of community-centered healthcare for families in need.

Patient Spotlight

Sebastian Josueandre Calderón

Kimberly and her son Sebastián traveled from San Miguel to take part in Ohana One’s surgical outreach at the Moore Center. From the start, they were met with warmth and professionalism. Sebastián’s diagnosis of Cryptorchidism required timely care, and our team provided both skilled treatment and thoughtful support. Kimberly felt reassured by the clear communication throughout, and the surgery was completed smoothly with no complications.

Patient Spotlight

Brianna Arleen Pelaez Aquino

Karen Aquino brought her four-year-old daughter, Brianna, to the Moore Center for treatment of painful scald burn scars sustained three years earlier. Despite healing, the scars still caused itching and discomfort, especially during activity. Referred by their pediatrician, they came seeking specialized care from Ohana One. Dr. Ed Ray conducted a thorough evaluation, while volunteers helped Brianna feel at ease with art and stories. Karen left grateful for the compassionate care and hopeful that her daughter can now grow with greater comfort and confidence.

Patient Spotlight

Gael Adrian Velazquez

Gerber Velazquez brought his son Gael to the Moore Center for a planned circumcision to address ongoing discomfort during urination. From the initial consultation, Gerber felt reassured by Dr. Freedman’s clear explanations and the professionalism of the Ohana One team. Volunteers helped ease Gael’s nerves with games and activities, creating a welcoming environment before surgery. The procedure was a success, and Gerber expressed deep gratitude for the compassionate care that brought immediate relief to his son.

Patient Spotlight

Aaron Byron Villatoro

Byron, a father from Zone 6 of Guatemala City, brought his young son, Aaron, to the Moore Center seeking care for phimosis—a condition that was beginning to cause discomfort. Motivated by a desire to prevent future complications and ensure his son could fully enjoy his childhood, Byron discovered the surgical opportunity online and quickly reached out. Grateful for the compassionate care they received, he praised the team’s dedication and encouraged them to continue supporting families in need.

Our Work

Over the course of the week, we screened 136 children to assess needs in reconstructive plastic surgery and urologic care. Our team performed 59 life-changing procedures, utilizing the Center’s three state-of-the-art operating rooms to restore health, function, and dignity. The urology team addressed complex conditions such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and ureteral reimplantation, while the plastic surgery team provided reconstructive interventions for children with congenital differences and traumatic injuries.

Beyond clinical care, we mentored local providers through hands-on training, strengthening surgical capacity for the long term. We also explored future collaboration through Ohana One’s telemedicine and smart-glass technology, which could enhance the Center’s outreach and screening efforts.

Holistic support for families was a key focus. Working with social workers and nutrition staff—and in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House—we helped coordinate follow-up care, transportation, and lodging. This trip exemplified Ohana One’s mission to build sustainable surgical systems through partnership, technology, and compassionate care.

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Beyond Surgical Success: Virtual Reality Study

Discovering groundbreaking pediatric care solutions with Ohana One and our partner Invicikids! By harnessing virtual reality and distraction therapy, we’re easing anxiety and pain for children during medical procedures. Dr. Michele Dee, our co-founder, highlights the innovative research led by her daughter, Alli Dee, a UCLA undergrad.

Together, we’re shaping a future of compassion and innovation! 

Partners

A warm thank you to all of our donors and partners for making this surgical outreach program successful!

  • Children’s Burn Foundation: Children’s Books for Burn Prevention Education for the patients
  • Americares: Surgical Supplies
  • MAP: Surgical Supplies
  • MTF Biologics: Healing Hero Bear Kits

Continued Support

Together, these efforts offered transformative care to children in need and strengthened local surgical capacity—advancing Ohana One’s mission of delivering sustainable, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities. Team 172’s outreach trip strengthened our bond with the Moore Center’s incredible Guatemalan staff, fostered new friendships, and reaffirmed every family’s hope for a healthier future. We look forward to furthering this partnership.

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Stories from our outreach trips.

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