A Mission of Hope and Healing
In many parts of the world, access to specialized pediatric surgical care remains limited. For children born with cleft lips, untreated fractures, congenital deformities, or burn scars, the lack of timely surgical treatment can mean a life of pain, stigma, and limited opportunity. Guatemala is one such country where thousands of children continue to suffer due to barriers in accessing specialized surgical care.
At XO World Project Foundation, we believe every child deserves a chance to live a healthy, dignified life. This belief led us to our most recent medical mission: a pediatric surgical mission held in May 2025 at Ángeles Hospital, Zone 1, Guatemala City. This mission, filled with compassion, skill, and hope, brought together a dedicated team of 21 medical professionals and volunteers, led by our Co-Founder and CEO Colleen Brennan, to provide free, life-changing surgical care to children in need.
A Mission Built on Hope and Expertise
Our mission began with the arrival of our team on Wednesday, May 7th. The following day, Triage Day, we assessed dozens of children, ultimately scheduling over 40 surgeries, with even more added in the days that followed. These were not just numbers; they were children with dreams, fears, and stories. Each procedure was a step toward a brighter, pain-free future.
From May 9–12, our surgical teams worked tirelessly from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., performing complex procedures including:
Cleft lip and cleft palate repair
Burn scar reconstruction and contracture release
Plastic hand surgery for congenital and injury-related deformities
Pediatric orthopedic surgeries, such as clubfoot correction, Blount’s disease treatment, and untreated fractures
Although the number of surgeries, approximately 450, was fewer than past missions due to the complexity of cases, the impact was deeper than ever. Many of these children needed extensive reconstruction and long-term recovery support, and we were there to give them that second chance.
Across the recovery rooms, small patients rested in the arms of their parents. Their resilience and the hope shining in their mothers’ eyes were the fuel that powered our mission.
Our Dream Team: Healing Hands and Open Hearts
Meet the extraordinary individuals who made our Guatemala Pediatric Surgical Mission possible, a team of passionate leaders, skilled surgeons, compassionate nurses, and selfless volunteers, united by one purpose: to heal and to serve.
Leadership: Colleen Brennan, MPH, BSN, RN (Co-Founder & CEO), and Dr. Stephanie Cohen (Co-Founder, Plastic Surgeon) Surgeons: Dr. Kathleen O’Hara (Trauma Surgeon), Dr. Rich Kim (Plastic Surgeon/Hand Specialist), Dr. Christine Goodbody & Dr. Raghav Badrinath (orthopedic surgeons) Pediatrician: Dr. Sue Kost, Anesthesia Team: Dr. Erin Wei, Dr. Eddy Barth (anesthesiologist), and Peter Cross (Pediatric CRNA) Operating Room Nurses: Michael Dougherty, RN; Maryann Kourgialis, RN; Violeta Vasquez, Surg Tech; Colleen D’Angiolillo, RN; Eleanor Dunn, RN; Julie Stokes, RN; Recovery Room Nurses: Rachel Bautista, RN; Lisa Pflug, RN; Michelle Rhoads, APN; OR Coordinator: Dr. Peter Walsh, MD
Champions Behind the Mission
This mission would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, donors, and friends. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hospital Ángeles for generously providing the surgical space, facilities, and the dedicated hospital staff who supported our mission with professionalism and care; to Karen Sicilia and her family for their ongoing support; to Otto Coyoy, Gerente General, and Jorge Pelaez, Director Médico, for their leadership and hospitality; to Organica for nourishing us with healthy snacks; to El Parisino for their delicious pastries; to Seguros Universales, S.A., for transportation, food, and triage day logistics; to La Legión Seguridad for ensuring the safety of our team and patients; to Florencia Clark for her translation services and heartfelt presence; and to Unitex Textiles for their generous donation of scrubs.
We also thank our donors, supporters, and friends whose financial support made this mission possible, and the incredible Guatemalan communities who welcomed us with trust and love.
A Legacy of Hope
Behind every surgery is a story of courage and transformation. A child who can now smile with confidence. A mother no longer burdened with worry. A family looking ahead with renewed hope.
This mission was about more than medical procedures. It was about restoring dignity, building trust, and bringing light to places shadowed by limitation. It was about saying you matter—and proving it through action.
Together, we’re not just changing lives. We’re shaping futures.
Help Us Continue This Mission
Be part of our next chapter. Your donation can help us reach more children, deliver more surgeries, and bring life-changing care to places that need it most.
