North Haven Teen Assists On Medical Mission In Dominican Republic

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven’s Michelle Chacko, a sophomore at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, recently participated in a short-term medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Handfuls of Hope. The organization was founded by people who had been involved in a series of short-term missions in the Dominican Republic and then began connecting other groups and organizations to do the same so as to make a lasting impact in that country, according to a news release from Sacred Heart Academy.

Chacko’s work involved translating and communicating, and taking people wherever they needed to go for medical reasons, whether to a pharmacy, to a lab, or to a medical appointment. She also assisted with basic medical procedures such as taking temperature and blood pressure, and visited villages to distribute food and interact with the villagers, including playing with the children.

“The overall experience was extremely humbling and eye-opening,” Chacko said. “The Handfuls of Hope organization was able to help treat thousands of people during my time there. It was an amazing way to do God's will and help people.”

Sacred Heart Academy President Sr. Sheila O’Neill said the school encourages students “to take part in experiences that broaden their view of the world. And…we want them to have opportunities to use their gifts and talents in service to God…sometimes they discover gifts and talents that they didn’t know they had.”

Michelle is the daughter of Manoj and Reshma Chacko. They live in North Haven.