LI Surgical Team Heads To Help El Salvador: 'Some Have Waited Years'

RIVERHEAD, NY — A dedicated medical team from Northwell Health's Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead is once again joining hands and hearts to go help those in need in El Salvador.

Cynthia Cichanowicz said the team had planned to embark upon the surgical mission trip in 2020, the week that COVID-19 "shuttered down everything. This is our first chance to go back since then."

The team, she said, is working to raise funds to not only get the team, led by Dr. Agostino Cervone, to El Salvador, but to purchase equipment and supplies for the community.

“The gratification received in providing surgical healthcare to a community of the world that otherwise has no access is immeasurable — and we are happy to be given the opportunity for our neighbors in El Salvador," Cervone said.

An organization from Medical Missions International on Long Island supports a clinic in Jucuapa, El Salvador, Cervone said. "They offer medical, pediatric, cardiologic and gynecological services from physicians there, as well as provide the means for mammography, CAT scans and dental care. They have two operating rooms that we utilize for the week that we spend. They organize the cases that I review before the team arrives," he said.

The team has traveled to El Salvador in the past and has found the mission deeply rewarding.

The impact on patients is life-changing, Cervone said. "They come from miles around the clinic," he said.

Each patient is charged a small fee to undergo treatment.

Last time Cervone was there, that fee was $4 in U.S. currency per treatment. "Otherwise, these patients would require to pay thousands of dollars to have their elective procedures performed," he said. "The standard is they would only have their surgical problems repaired or treated when an emergency situation arises."

During the last two trips, the team performed 70 operations during the week. "We anticipate something similar on this trip," he said.

'This will be our 3rd surgical mission trip to El Salvador," Cichanowicz said. "I was fortunate to be a part of the first team to go in 2017. I was part of the team scheduled to go there in March of 2020. However, the week we were headed there was when the world shut down due to COVID. We have been waiting to head back ever since. We finally have an opportunity to return, which, to this impoverished community, is essential. The people of Jucuapa are so grateful, patient and welcoming. Some have waited years for these surgeries."

She added that in addition to the surgeries, the team also does a community outreach to area schools, bringing dental supplies and small for gifts for the children; they are also collection donations for that outreach, as well.

A GoFundMe, SOS: Send Our Surgeons, was created by Eric Watermelon: "Ever wonder how you could change the world? Now is your opportunity to help save lives and undoubtedly make the world a better place," he said. "Our team of experienced doctors and advanced care practitioners is embarking on a volunteer medical mission to a place on earth where traditional healthcare does not typically reach. In order to get to these areas, we need your help to raise emergency funds to Send Our Surgeons."

He added: "Tragically, post-pandemic healthcare within El Salvador is dire. Dr. Cervone of Peconic Bay Medical Center has recognized this crisis and is taking action. With support from your donations, and in partnership with the Medical Mission International charity organization, Dr. Cervone is leading a surgical team to the David V. King Medical Center in Jucuapa — a rural community in eastern El Salvador."

When asked, "Why El Salvador?", Watermelon said in past years Dr. Roberto Arevalo-Araujo initially introduced the medical community to El Salvador and explained its critical need for sustainable medical solutions.

"His passion became David King’s passion, and he wanted to do his part to contribute. His involvement lead to the formation of Medical Mission International, Inc.," he said. "Over the course of 13-year involvement, we have come to love this nation and its friendly and warm-hearted people. Despite the after-effects of the last quarter-century’s war, famine and economic recessions, many Salvadorans are doing what they can to forge a brighter future. But they can’t do it alone. For every step forward in a Salvadoran’s life — political stability, a growing economy — there is often a step backward, such natural disasters, and a persistent lack of quality medical care."

In many cases, simple ailments that would be easily treated in the developed world hold Salvadorans back, limiting their ability to produce a decent living, and all-too-often, leading to an untimely death, he said.

"We've made great strides. Now we need your help to complete our vision."

MMI financed and build a 20,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art medical center which opened in late 2012 and has provided more than 45,000 patient services, he said. "We’ve improved surgical, pediatric, and boarding facilities at two existing hospitals. We’ve also assisted in the building of a high school that fosters young minds and rewards top achievers with scholarships."

In 2013, two dental suites were added. In 2014, two operating suites were completed. The first mission was in December 2014.

"The team will depart New York on Saturday, January 14. Once on-site, the team will staff and operate two operating rooms to conduct free, life-changing surgeries for families, many of whom have never received any kind of healthcare before. The impact that this team will have on the communities in the surrounding area will change lives forever," Watermelon said.

"Unfortunately, this mission is not free. Volunteer medical staff must pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for travel expenses, room, and board, as well as bring medical supplies. Financial contributions are needed to supplement these expenses and to purchase supplies for the mission volunteers to use," he added.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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