A Wish for Every Year: 8th Anniversary in Guatemala

This February, the Health & Help clinic in Guatemala turned eight. These years have been challenging, but they have also been incredibly meaningful and impactful.

On its eighth birthday, the clinic, as always, opened its doors to patients lining up for their appointments. But today felt different. For the first time in a long while, doctors, nurses, donors, and volunteers—all those who dedicate their time and energy to the clinic—gathered in one place to celebrate.

“What struck me the most on this birthday was how many people came together. We’ve never had such a large gathering before,” shared Leonor Theotónio Castêdo, Health & Help’s Regional Director in Guatemala.

Even our youngest patients joined in the celebration, eagerly breaking a piñata in the courtyard to get to the treats inside. “I’m going to be a doctor when I grow up!” several children proudly declared. And perhaps, that simple sentence alone makes all eight years of hard work worthwhile.

Our team takes pride not only in making essential healthcare accessible in remote areas of Central America but also in inspiring our patients—to pursue medical careers, to take charge of their health, to dream big about their future. Just as they inspire us.

A birthday is a time to reflect on the past and make wishes for the future. On our unusually large cake, the candles flicker—each flame representing sleepless nights, construction projects, our first patients, an earthquake, a pandemic, a crisis, a newly repaired roof, and so much more. These moments are now part of our story.

And so, we blow out the candles and step into Health & Help’s ninth year in Guatemala.

Our mission remains unchanged: to make healthcare accessible everywhere. Year after year, we work to turn this dream into reality—together with you.

Ahead of us are 365 new days. The wishes have been made, which means it’s time to make them come true. Take a look at our wishlist — give a gift that will make a real impact this year!