Neurosurgeon Britt Borden Returns From Humanitarian Medical Mission
Dr Britt Borden MD, a leading Chicago area neurosurgeon, recently returned from a humanitarian medical missionary trip from Honduras. The week long trip was organized by FAME, a faith-based organization that helps connect doctors with people in underprivileged countries who may not have access to quality medical care.
Dr Britt Borden, Why did you choose to volunteer for the medical mission in Honduras?
Britt Borden : The people in Honduras live a simple life. Many of them don’t have access to medical care, nor do they have the money for medication whenever they do get sick. It’s terribly sad and humbling to provide care for people who are so thankful. Quality health care should be a right for everyone, not a privilege reserved for the very rich of Honduras.
How many people were you able to help?
Britt Borden : FAME’s medical team conducted four different clinic days that were set up in community churches and schools throughout Honduran villages. This allowed us to reach the greatest number of people in a short time frame. We treated more than 300 patients in these clinics and spent extra time in a local public hospital visiting the children and bringing them small gifts from the US.
Which patients stand out in your mind?
Britt Borden : So many people stand out. One woman had contracted chicken pox from her two children which infected a nerve in her face. Because her muscles were weak, the left side of her face drooped down and her eye wouldn’t close. This woman thought she’d had a stroke and was afraid she’d spend the rest of her life trying to live without being able to close her eye. She had Bell’s Palsy, an infection of the facial nerve that goes away in time. Although Bell’s Palsy goes away on its own, I was worried about her eye being scratched and damaged, leaving her blind. I showed her how to tape her eye closed at night until the weakness in her face resolved.
Another patient, a little two year old boy, was suffering from a vitamin D deficiency that caused a disease called rickets. His legs were bowed and he was having trouble walking. His mother didn’t know what was wrong with him so she brought him to the clinic. I was able to give him some vitamin D supplements so the disease doesn’t worsen.
These are just two of the patients that stand out in my mind. I’m thankful that a group like FAME exists to help bring medical care to the people of Honduras.
Dr Britt Borden, many US citizens are unsure how to help. What can the average American do to improve the living conditions of the poor in other countries?
Britt Borden : Many average Americans don’t realize it doesn’t take a lot to help the people of Honduras. We gave every patient we saw vitamins since malnutrition is so rampant there. Many people also suffer from hookworms and tapeworms so we handed out worm pills to eliminate these parasites. Americans can help by donating money to a group such as FAME or volunteering to help change the living conditions for the poor in countries such as Honduras.
Imagine living in a house open to bugs and other pests, without shoes while drinking dirty water and eating whatever food you can get a hold of. It’s a difficult life and I’m happy that I was able to visit with FAME and improve the living conditions for the people of Honduras.