Since 2008, Dr. Mark E. Richardson and his wife, Tina, have been traveling to the remote mountains of Honduras on medical mission trips to bring life-changing healthcare to communities in need. Over the years, Dr. Mark has made six trips to this beautiful, yet underserved region, while Tina has been able to join him on four of these journeys.
A Long History of Service
Dr. Mark and Tina's involvement began when they joined a group from Kalamazoo, Michigan, partnering with the Luke Society to provide medical care. This initial collaboration was life-changing, and in 2019, when the Luke Society decided they had fulfilled their mission in this part of Honduras, the Richardsons joined a new team that partnered with Clinica San Lucas Gracias. While the Kalamazoo group continues taking smaller surgical brigades, Mark and Tina are excited to join a larger Grand Rapids brigade this year.
The Mission: Bringing Healthcare to the Mountains
Dr. Mark has served in various roles over the years, including acting as the dental team coordinator on past trips. During previous mission trips, there were two large brigades and several smaller brigades: some staying at the surgery center to provide crucial surgeries, and others heading out on school buses to rural, hard-to-reach areas. The schools are transformed into temporary medical clinics, where community members receive free healthcare, including dental services. It's not uncommon to serve 1,200 patients in just four days!
These trips can be challenging, but the gratitude and warmth of the people they serve make it all worthwhile. "Serving on these trips is life-changing. It's a chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives and to bring hope and a smile to those who need it most," Dr. Mark shares.
A Tradition of Giving Back
Over the years, the volunteers have also brought small gifts for the patients, including soccer balls, stuffed animals, and more. The generous people of the Kalamazoo community have taken part in donating items as well. Tina says, "It's about so much more than just healthcare. It's about showing these communities that they matter, that people care enough to bring something to brighten their day, to make them feel seen."
The Impact of the Clinics and Surgery Center
The work in Gracias and surrounding communities is nothing short of transformative. For decades, volunteer teams from the U.S. have traveled to Honduras, offering medical services in response to overwhelming need. Early on, one volunteer team of around 50 people would travel to provide services. But as the need grew, so did the response. Two large brigades and several smaller brigades were sent throughout the year, each serving between 1,000-1,300 patients, and offering a wide range of procedures—from general health screenings to 20 surgeries per week at the government hospital.
In 2010, a surgery center was built to provide a space for safer, more effective procedures. Today, the center is a vital resource that allows teams to perform between 30-40 surgeries each week, along with many more minor procedures and endoscopies. Today’s missions include one large brigade and several smaller brigades sent over to provide vital care, which usually takes place in October, November, January, and February.
The Need for Support
Each year, the volunteers fundraise and seek donations to help cover the costs of these trips as the expenses involved are substantial, and most volunteers fund their travel and service through their own efforts. You can help make a difference, too!
How You Can Help
- Donate items. — The medical clinics always need small items, like soccer balls, toys, and more, to give patients.
- Offer monetary donations. — Financial support is crucial for covering the cost of supplies, medical equipment, and travel expenses for the volunteers. Every contribution helps make this mission possible.
- Volunteer your time. — If you're a healthcare professional or someone willing to serve, consider joining one of these upcoming brigades. They are always happy to add more people to our volunteer team!
- Spread the word. — Sharing the story of these missions and the need for donations helps build awareness and spread hope.
Want to Help or Learn More?
Mark and Tina's journey to Honduras is a calling. On every trip, the brigades bring healthcare, compassion, and joy to communities that desperately need it.
Please consider donating today to support this vital work and help spread the word about how others can get involved.
Thank you for your generosity and support!