As we turn the page to May, we wanted to take a moment to look back at an incredible April. It was National Volunteer Month, and there was no better way to celebrate than by seeing our community in action. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, the milestones we reached last month once again proved that your dedication is the heartbeat of Medical Missionaries.
In April, your support powered several major achievements:
- Honoring Our Heritage: We spent the month recognizing the “Point of Light” provided by our volunteers, while pausing to honor the memory of those like Dr. Ken Kornetsky, whose legacy continues to guide us.
- Strengthening St. Joseph Clinic: We made significant progress on physical plant improvements in Haiti. These structural and systems upgrades are essential to ensuring the clinic remains a reliable sanctuary of health for the Thomassique community.
- A Strategic Vision Developed: We celebrated the successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Capstone Project. The cadets delivered a comprehensive roadmap that will help guide our fundraising and social media efforts for years to come.
- Essential Supplies Delivered: Our team completed another vital run to Grundy, Virginia, delivering a truckload of food and supplies to our partners at the Rocklick Food Pantry.
Thank you for making April such a productive and meaningful month. Because of your hard work last month, we are moving into the rest of the year with more strength and vision than ever!
Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: National Volunteer Month
April marked National Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time celebrated globally to recognize the people who give their most precious resource: time. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” perfectly captures the spark that started Medical Missionaries nearly 30 years ago.
A “Rare Point of Light”
Since our inception, Medical Missionaries has remained a purely volunteer-run non-profit. In the world of charitable organizations, this is a rare and beautiful thing. Our mission doesn’t move forward because of a paid staff; it moves because of the passion of our community.
To our doctors, nurses, construction workers, donors, friends, and family: you are the fuel that keeps this “Point of Light” shining brightly for those in need. Whether you have traveled across the ocean or supported us from home, we salute and thank you.
Honoring Our Legacy
As we celebrate our volunteers, we also pause to honor those who are with us in spirit. We especially remember Dr. Ken Kornetsky, who passed away in 2025. While his absence leaves a profound hole in our hearts and our organization, his legacy of service continues to inspire everything we do.
Looking Ahead to 30 Years
The flame you’ve ignited is only growing stronger. As we approach our 30th Anniversary in 2027, we are so grateful to have all of you aboard.
Let’s continue to ignite hope, together.
Resilience and Renewal at St. Joseph Clinic
While violence continues to challenge the regions surrounding Port-au-Prince, we are relieved to report that the area around St. Joseph Clinic in Thomassique has remained relatively stable. This peace has allowed our staff to stay focused on what they do best: providing life-saving care.
The impact of the clinic during the first quarter of 2026 has been remarkable. From January through March, our dedicated team:
- Provided healthcare to over 3,000 patients.
- Welcomed 116 new babies into the world.
- Treated over 100 patients per month through our Chronic Disease Treatment Program, where our doctors provide essential monitoring and medication for high blood pressure.
Strengthening the Clinic Infrastructure
In April, Clinic Manager Junior Charles Saint-Fleur began a series of vital improvements to the physical plant. The combination of intense rain and tropical humidity is incredibly taxing on the facility’s structures. This year’s rainy season was particularly harsh, damaging several unprotected areas of the clinic.
Repairs and preventative maintenance are already underway to ensure the clinic remains a safe, dry, and functional sanctuary for our patients. Below are some photos of our team hard at work on these improvements. Your continued support is the lifeline that allows this work to persist.
Coast Guard Academy Capstone Team Delivers Strategic Vision
On April 27th, a talented team of Senior Cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy—Nikko Beato, Kate Tlapa, Aiana Cayao, and Moani Farias—presented their Final Capstone Report to our leadership team.
Tasked with helping Medical Missionaries plan for the future, the cadets delivered comprehensive recommendations in four critical areas:
- Fundraising Innovation
- Social Media Engagement
- Organizational Succession
- Strategic Financial Planning
These cadets initially chose Medical Missionaries for their project based on deeply personal inspirations. After hearing the stories behind their commitment, it is clear that their passion matched the professional quality of their work. We are honored to have been part of their final academic journey and wish them “fair winds and following seas” as they begin their service. We hope they remain lifelong friends of our mission!
Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Us
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, we invite you to see the cadets’ work in action. Check out their latest video on our Facebook page!
Did you know? Medical Missionaries has been serving underserved communities since 1997. That is nearly 30 years of global impact, powered entirely by people like you. Come join the mission! Whether you’re a graduating cadet or a local neighbor, there is a place for you in our community.
Supplies and Equipment In and Out
On the Road to Appalachia: Delivering Hope to Grundy, VA
Our mission to support the Rocklick Food Pantry in Grundy, Virginia, continues to move forward—literally!
A huge thank you to Dr. George Bazaco and his colleague, Gregg Phillips, who recently manned the Medical Missionaries truck and trailer for the six-hour journey into the heart of Appalachia. Their delivery was packed with essential food and supplies destined for our neighbors in need.
This vital project relies on the steady stream of generosity we see at our doors every day. Whether it’s a single bag of groceries or a carload of supplies, your daily donations are the engine that keeps our trailer moving. We are incredibly grateful for every item contributed and for the dedicated volunteers who ensure they reach the community in Grundy.
Want to help? We are always collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby supplies. Check out our website for items that we accept. Every donation is appreciated!
Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. Every donation goes to someone in need.
Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!
In April, Medical Missionaries had 172 donors visit our office and helped 63 clients.