For most of us, a trip to the Caribbean or Central America most likely would involve relaxing on the beach without a care in the world. But for the volunteers who serve World Pediatric Project (WPP), it is an opportunity to provide lifesaving medical care for children in need. “These children are suffering because they were born in a part of the world where pediatric care is not easily accessible,” says Cindy Frank, WPP executive director. “We are proud to be a conduit for volunteers to open their arms to these children, offer lifesaving treatment and build health care capacity.”

In 2018, 50 international mission teams will be deployed by WPP to countries in Central America and the Caribbean. The teams are composed of volunteers with a variety of pediatric specialties, such as orthopedics or cardiac surgery. Clinics are held to assess patients’ conditions and determine the best course of action. “Some children receive treatment that week, and others may just need to be monitored,” Frank explains. Approximately 2,000 children are reached annually by the surgical and diagnostic teams.

If treatment is impossible to deliver in a patient’s home country, the child is referred to the U.S. where medical care is donated. In St. Louis, WPP partners with Shriners Hospitals for Children, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital to make this possible. Nearly 100 children are referred to the U.S. for lifechanging treatment each year. WPP’s partnerships with local health care institutions also serve area children. The Missouri Kids Program enables nearly 400 children from low-income families to receive preventive dental care.

Treatment doesn’t end with a single mission trip or referral. The teams return annually to monitor patients, and WPP is dedicated to expanding the health care systems in its partner countries. Through the Children of Tomorrow program, indigenous doctors and nurses receive training and resources needed to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to pediatric health care needs. “It empowers them so they can save children’s lives in their own countries,” Frank says.

WPP patients brought to St. Louis for treatment in 2017 include Daischa and Carmencita. Daischa is from the Dominican Republic and recently had lifesaving cardiac surgery at Cardinal Glennon. Frank refers to Carmencita as a “frequent flyer.” The 7-year-old from Nicaragua has scoliosis and needs ongoing surgical treatment until she is old enough for a spinal fusion.

In order to serve children like Daischa and Carmencita and continue offering its critical services, WPP is throwing its largest annual fundraiser Jan. 19. ‘Treasures in Paradise’ is the perfect way to start 2018, according to Frank. The event features a cocktail party and auction with unique items, including luxury vacations. “These are one-of-a-kind opportunities,” Frank says. “Many of the vacations are to countries we serve. Last year, a couple purchased a trip to Barbados and got to see a mission team in action.” A WPP patient also will speak about his experiences at the event. “It’s amazing to hear a personal story of what WPP has done for kids,” Frank says. “It’s the highlight of the evening.”

World Pediatric Project heals critically ill children and build health care capacity throughout the world. Its ‘Treasures in Paradise’ fundraiser is Jan. 19 at Old Warson Country Club. Pictured on the cover with World Pediatric Project Patients Carmencita and Daischa (infant): Julie Ledbetter, Brigette McMillin, Julie Keeley, Debra Niemann. For more information, call 314.317.8809 or visit worldpediatricproject.org.

Cover design by Allie Bronskey | Cover Photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography

Pictured at top: Carmencita from Nicaragua and Daischa from the Dominican Republic
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography