At LHC, we believe healthcare extends far beyond the walls of our facilities. In April, a dedicated group of our team members traveled to Honduras for a Pin and Cast mission trip that focused on providing orthopedic care to children and families in need. They traveled to Honduras and Providencia to remove pins and change casts for 18 children operated on in March. Parents expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity of a better future for their children and by extension, the entire family. While some children were disappointed to remain in casts for another six weeks, the long-term reward of mobility is noted to be well worth the wait. The mission trip was organized through Sharing Resources Worldwide, a non-profit organization in Monona, WI.
The team included (photos attached): Nella Bernardoni, PT; Dr. Eamon Bernardoni, Orthopedic Surgeon; Kari DePauw, PA-C/ Orthopedics; Francie Reichling, Orthopedic RN. Lafayette Hospital + Clinics is donating items from the old MHLC facility, many of which will be essential to their care, including chairs, walkers, carts, tables, Xray light box, cabinets, etc.
“I wanted to go to Honduras because it was an opportunity to offer life-changing care to children who would otherwise go without. I couldn’t pass up the chance to restore opportunity and hope to these young lives,” shared Nella Bernardoni.
During their time there, the team assisted with patient follow-up care, including removing pins and casts, conducting examinations, and helping ensure patients were progressing well after their procedures. While the medical work was incredibly important, the experience offered so much more than clinical care.
“I am very thankful to be able to share my time and expertise with the children and families of those we served in Honduras. The families we were able to help were incredibly grateful, traveling for hours through mountain roads and some even by boat to see us. I was also impressed by the toughness and grit of the children we were caring for, often tolerating significant surgeries with little to no pain medicine. I look forward to returning to continue to care for these children and families,” noted Dr. Eamon Bernardoni.
These incredible individuals had the opportunity to meet the wonderful people of Honduras, build meaningful connections, and witness firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare can have on a community. The smiles on the faces of the children and their families served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Francie Reichling shared, “This trip meant the world to me. I had the pleasure of working alongside some very talented and selfless people to make a huge difference in the lives of children that otherwise would’ve continued to live with debilitating disabilities. Seeing their smiles and the immense gratitude from the parents is something I will never forget.”
We are incredibly proud of our team members who generously gave their time, expertise, and hearts to serve others. Their commitment exemplifies the very best of healthcare—providing care, comfort, and hope to those who need it most.
“I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part the orthopedic care team on the mission trip to Honduras. I was inspired by the strength, resilience, and gratitude of the patients and their families. It was truly an amazing experience,” said Kari DePauw.
Thank you to our team for representing LHC with such compassion and dedication. Your efforts have made a lasting difference, and we are honored to celebrate your service.
Because at the end of the day, helping others is what healthcare is all about.
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