It’s been over a year since Victor Paz M.D., Honduras’ only pediatric cardiovascular surgeon, died tragically in a car accident. The country continues to mourn his loss, and the list has grown to 370 children waiting for life saving cardiac operations. Twenty five percent of childhood mortality is related to deadly but treatable congenital heart disease. Sadly, hundreds have already passed the opportunity to have clinically safe treatment, and will die prematurely.

Itzel is one of the fortunate ones who is receiving medical care at Hospital Maria in Tegucigalpa, the only public pediatric hospital equipped with a “Heart Unit” for heart catheterizations and surgeries. Thankfully, World Pediatric Project has changed from being a care provider to a trusted partner with Hospital Maria and they have been sending medical brigades for children desperately in need of medical treatment.

Three year old Itzel has undergone two heart catheterizations and one open heart surgery. These procedures have offered temporary improvement but her physicians from St. Louis, MO are continuing to study her case, investigating her family’s cardiac history, and hoping to do some genetic testing, which isn’t available in Honduras. Itzel’s parents’ lives are constantly filled with fears of her health, great expectations that her heart will be healed, disappointments when the hospital workers are on strike. Living in poverty is stressful enough but having a sick child who has growth and nutritional challenges and is prone to infections exasperates the feelings.

The lyrics below are my hope for Itzel, and so many children who are urgently in need of life saving medical care.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming, life altering experience. Shock, fear and uncertainty are among the initial responses. When you receive the news in Honduras, it is compounded by the reality “is treatment available?” and if so, “how will I be able to afford it?”

We were recently introduced to a young mother in her 30’s who had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Eighty percent of cancer patients in Honduras may not receive proper treatment because they often wait to seek help, and the disease has advanced, therefore resulting in a low cure rate. Also, there is restricted access to specialized care due to limited PET scans and MRI’s. 

Although thyroid cancer is quite treatable, it is only available at two public hospitals in major cities, prohibiting access for patients living in remote areas. San Felipe in Tegucigalpa is in the process of establishing the first public nuclear facility in the country. 

Private clinics may have radioactive iodine but it is cost prohibitive to most, and often considered subpar to the treatment available in El Salvador. 

Our patient first sought medical care at San Felipe where they performed a lymphadenectomy, removing six nodes. Public hospitals provide medical care which is technically “free” but patients are still responsible for medical supplies (IV fluids, catheters, gloves, bandages, blood, and on occasion, oxygen), medications, specialized tests, food/hygiene items (food, water, bedding, toilet paper). Martha’s family was able to cover the costs for this portion of the treatment but the cost of radioactive iodine therapy was beyond their means. 

I cannot imagine the added emotional toll this takes on the patient and family. You have cancer, there is treatment available but you cannot afford it. Far too often patients die due to their economic status. Thankfully, one of Esperanza’s supporters (who is the mother of a cancer survivor) agreed to cover the costs. Martha’s family drove her to the border of El Salvador where they met a representative from the hospital. Prior to receiving the radioactive iodine, the bill was paid in full. She stayed in the hospital for three days, returned to Honduras where she spent 15 days in isolation. 

Martha’s recovery prognosis is quite positive, and she is so grateful for the support. We hope access to healthcare improves, medical equipment and treatment options are updated, and anti-corruption measures are put in place so more lives may be saved.

A child’s smile is the purest form of happiness. I love to feel the essence of their spirit and their untainted view of the world. Children’s laughter is contagious and they share the universal language of love through this connection.

One of our greatest goals has been to help children keep their hope alive by believing and expecting a brighter future. A challenging task when they don’t have life’s basic necessities and live in a cycle of poverty. We could give up, or we could remember Richard M. Knittle Jr.’s quote, ” putting a smile on a child’s face can change, maybe not the whole world but at least their world.” With grateful hearts to all of the Esperanza supporters, we’ve been able to give opportunity, not charity, one child at a time.

We have taught the children to dream and set goals. This is a foreign concept when they watch their parents struggle day to day, and it requires planning and motivation on their part. We have witnessed this in children as young as preschool, and other times it isn’t developed until young adulthood. Equipping an individual’s specific needs whether it’s books or tools, and providing tutors and mentors has made a difference. Staying consistently in their lives, through all their ups and downs is part of our commitment. The joy we experience is watching when life long skills are developed, modeled in their families and shared within their community. They truly are making their world a better place!

Choosing the name Esperanza (hope in Spanish) for our nonprofit was intentional and deeply meaningful. We want to continue to inspire action, reinforce connection with others, and help people cope with adversity while building resiliency.

This holiday season, and throughout the coming year, we are wishing you peace, love, joy and hope.

I just returned from Honduras a few days ago and once again am processing my time there. I always arrive with great energy and enthusiasm to be back “home” in the village I have been a part of for nearly 25 years. Witnessing poverty no longer shocks me but living with the people who experience this daily will always unsettle me.

It is now the rainy season and I quickly learn the village has been without running water for over three weeks. The system was blocked with mud and debris, and therefore the spigots of “potable” water were dry, and there was no running water to the houses. People walked to the muddy river to access water to wash themselves, their dishes, and flush the toilets.

The first night, we lose electricity, a common occurrence which I’ve been accustomed to. Perhaps it makes it a bit easier so that all your senses are not overloaded at once. Instead of seeing the trash that litters the surrounding homes, you just smell the burning of paper and plastic. You don’t see what types of insects and animals are closing in but you might feel them.

Daylight returns and I’m reminded of life in a third world country. Children fill their stomachs with cheap bags of chips, inadequate housing often made of adobe or other materials, and grueling manual labor that we have replaced with machines. There are endless needs in this barrio, and later that week, we have street lights installed for safety and security. We also address a huge hole in the road that has running water below before a child falls into a foot of water, and another tragedy occurs.

It truly is a daily struggle for everyone that surrounds me. What is there to eat? Where can I find work? How to cope with the next crisis? It is a luxury to be able to plan ahead, to dream of a better life. And then I return to my inner turmoil. How do I help? Who do I help? What will have a lasting impact? We have tried many things over the years, some offering a temporary fix and others outright failing.

And we have also experienced the exhilaration of success including drilling a well and bringing clean water, providing life saving medical treatment, and supporting students as they pursue their education and change their life trajectories.

Although I’m thrilled to be back home, I realize that it isn’t a part of my heart that I leave behind, it is actually my soul. It’s time to share their stories and raise awareness (and yes funding, the biggest challenge for me) so that they may experience the basic life necessities, and more!

Thank you to each and every one of you who supports me in so many ways.

Congratulations to Yeni Ordonez who graduated last year from El Instituto de Belleza Estetica y Cosmetologia. Yeni is now certified in all areas of cosmetology, and working at a salon in Flores.This has not been an easy path and has required great dedication and perseverance.

In rural Honduras 13% of students have no access to education. Although primary school is compulsory, only half of the population completes sixth grade. In the majority of the departments of Honduras, 90% of the students need to repeat a grade. Less than one third of the students attend secondary school.

Yeni’s family is no different. Her mother completed 2nd grade and her father finished 6th grade. None of her siblings have attended secondary school. They value education and would have loved to continue studying but it simply came down to economics. It was too costly to buy uniforms and books, and they were needed to earn money and do the chores at home.

Yeni is a single mom and working hard to provide all that she can for her son. She’s thankful for the support she received from Esperanza and feels fortunate to be employed in her field. The unemployment rate in Honduras is staggering, and 70% earn less than $1,200/year.

Yeni has the education, developed her skills and is gaining more experience. Wishing her all the best as she continues pursuing her passion. Esperanza has many other individuals hoping for a similar opportunity to attend school, pursue job training or start a small business.

Immigration is a hot topic these days, and I often find myself trying to explain to others why Hondurans might attempt to make the treacherous journey to the U.S. Certainly there are a number of reasons including persistent poverty, high unemployment, and catastrophic climate changes but I’m going to focus on violence.

Growing up in poverty, leads to violence, and permeates all areas of life. There is domestic violence, interpersonal violence and structural violence. All cause a tremendous amount of fear and trauma but gang violence is truly a matter of life and death. If they want you to join, you have three choices: join, leave or be killed.

In areas with high gang activity almost half of the students drop out. The walk to school is too dangerous crossing through one territory into another. Gang members are present in schools selling drugs, extorting money, and recruiting new members (as young as six). We have had students held up at knife point on the streets, and shot on the bus.

They terrorize, rape, kidnap, blackmail and murder. Their money is made on drug sales, human trafficking and arms deals. Impunity and corruption are vast throughout Honduras. Gangs impose a “war tax” on households, businesses and transportation workers. If you don’t comply in paying your monthly fee, you or a family member will be killed.

I was introduced to these two men on the streets of Comayagua. I don’t know their names or “occupations” and I certainly wouldn’t say if I did. When people in Honduras ask why I am there, I make it clear it is to help the children. I’m not sure if that earns any respect but I can honestly say that I’ve never felt in danger or had any trouble.

When the fear of fleeing is less than the fear of staying, the journey to the States begins. And the danger and violence will continue through Guatemala and Mexico. It’s called desperation and the will to live, and provide food for your children. Plain and simple. What would you do?

I’d like to start 2025 with an inspiring story of resiliency, determination and hope about one of Esperanza’s students, Josue Martinez. I first met Josue almost 15 years ago, when he was a patient of Shriners Children’s Boston. When Josue was eight years old he was in a house fire, and burned over 75 percent of his body. Since then he has undergone nearly 70 operations.

His story was recently highlighted on Shriners Children’s Hospital’s website:

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/news-and-media/patient-stories/2024/12/josue-burn-care-story

Esperanza and Josue are extremely grateful for Chris Worcester’s financial support which has allowed Josue to pursue his dream of studying at Universidad Politecnica de Honduras. He will be receiving his degree in Industrial Engineering later this year. Chris, a lifelong educator herself, wanted to support Josue’s passion and perseverance.

We are incredibly proud of Josue and all of his accomplishments. He seizes every day with optimism and embraces every opportunity he encounters. Josue has aged out of care at Shriners Children’s Hospital but we will be pursuing further treatment for him at Mass General Hospital.

There are so many reasons I love being in Honduras. Number one is the people, and the relationships that have developed over the years. Next is living in the moment, experiencing daily life and learning about the culture. Last is disconnecting from the news in the U.S., and putting my energy elsewhere, where I can make a difference.

Following the election, I daydreamed about changing my reservation and jumping on the plane 12 days early. I craved the escape of hateful language and threatening violence, and a feeling of powerlessness. Instead, I decided to take a break from the news and enjoy music that comforts me. My “go-to” song is:

We Are the World

I spent the day with my husband and a friend, inhaling nature’s beauty while biking and walking. It was a gift having a sun filled autumn day in New England, with temperatures in the 70’s. I love to surround myself with people who share their positive energy. My mind would continue to drift back to “my” song.

“We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving.“

As usual, I’ve been in the packing mode for several weeks. We have received a large donation of penicillin from Brother’s Brother Foundation that is desperately needed in the clinics and hospitals. Esperanza has purchased dozens of bilingual books to be used in our newly developed ESL program. And we have received individualized box sets of LEGO through the Passing the Bricks organization. There are so many kind and generous people and organizations who support us, and I thrive on their spirit of giving. My excitement builds as I picture sharing these resources and playing with the joy-filled children.

My hope is that we all find ways to feel comfort, peace and love. May our divided nation heal.

The joy of giving to others truly is medicine for your soul. It genuinely feels good, and offers you both a sense of belonging and purpose. Working in Honduras has enlightened me, helped put things in perspective, and introduced me to incredibly appreciative people living in desperate situations.

You don’t need to travel to Honduras to experience these feelings, and you certainly can offer hope and change a life for a child in need. We have specifically kept Esperanza small so that we are directly involved with every patient, student and community project. Your donation has a powerful impact in the village we have called “home” for the past 20 years.

What’s speaking to your heart? It could be wanting to ensure basic healthcare so that children are not dying from treatable illnesses such as diarrhea, or helping a child receive life saving cardiac care. Perhaps you’d like to offer a child the opportunity to receive an education by providing a school uniform or paying for trade school so they have a lifelong skill.

We are incredibly thankful to all of our supporters over the years who have done just that, and more. Patients have been treated in the Boston area and within Honduras. Students have been enrolled in public schools, private bilingual schools, trade schools and universities. Sponsors have provided improvements to the health center, schools and community center. Others have contributed to drilling a well, building a sports court and playgrounds. One couple financed the first police station for the community of Flores.

You can choose how you want your donation spent, and if you would like to communicate or receive updates on “your” child or project. You may want to consider making a gift in honor of someone this holiday season. I cannot think of a better way to spread your love and impact others. It’s contagious.

Esperanza-Hope for the Children, Inc. was first introduced to Noel in November 2005. His mom brought him to us and explained her four year old was in need of life saving open heart surgery. Through the generosity of the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation, we brought Noel to Boston and they have been funding his cardiac care at Tufts Medical Center.

The following year, Esperanza brought two year old Astrid to Springfield, MA where she received multiple operations on her tethered spinal cord and cavus foot at Shriner’s Hospital for Children and Baystate Medical Center. Both of the children lived in our home while receiving care, and then began spending Christmas and summer vacations with us. They are both truly a special part of our family.

Noel and Astrid both have sponsors through Esperanza, who afforded them the opportunity to attend a private bilingual school from kindergarten through sixth grade. Following their seven years at Marantha Adventist Bilingual School in Comayagua, Honduras they took different paths. Noel went on to attend Instituto Tecnologica Automotriz de Comayagua to learn auto mechanics. Astrid left for the United States where she attended middle school and high school.

This year Noel decided to further his education and enrolled in seventh grade. He is now a father of a beautiful 15 month old daughter and knew completing additional years would offer greater job opportunities. Astrid will be attending Clark University in Worcester, MA where she will be majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Astrid has been invited into Clark’s Honors Experience and has received multiple academic scholarships.

Noel and Astrid were asked to develop a program to teach English at Centro Basico Augusto C. Coello, one of the public schools in the village of Flores. This summer they have enjoyed (and been challenged) by eager and active students wanting to learn English. It has been rewarding for us to see these mature adults (19 and 22 years old) use their bilingual skills to help students in their own community. We couldn’t be more proud of both of them!