In Their Words
Hear from some of our employees who are making a difference around the world.
“One of my favorite memories is of an 11-year-old boy, David, who I got to know very well. The day I arrived, he looked as though he had just a few days left to live, due to severe congestive heart failure. Through God’s grace and some additions and adjustments of medication, he was smiling and walking around the ward by the time I left. That smile made the whole trip worth it.”
– Samantha Gunkelman, M.D., pediatric hospitalist
“I chose this trip because of the need for surgical help among the pediatric population in Haiti, as well as St. Damien’s Catholic beliefs. My most memorable experience was the night shift in an overwhelming cholera tent. I felt completely out of my element, but I was truly needed.”
– Patrick Conway, Operating Room nurse
“My most memorable experience was on a rural village trip. We stopped for a home visit for an infant with dehydration. There were seven children in the house and they were all smiling and excited to meet us. It was an example of not having all the “comforts” but having happiness.”
– Renee Plourde, D.O., third-year pediatric resident