Healing Hands, Open Hearts, June 2025

Dear Fara Foundation Supporters,

 

It brings us great joy to share that earlier this spring, we hosted one of the most impactful varicose vein medical missions we’ve ever undertaken—with unforgettable results. Held during the final week of April and the first week of May, this mission united a remarkable team of four vein specialists—three from Canada and one from the United States—with our dedicated staff at Clinica Fara in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The collaboration between our local medical team and the visiting specialists was nothing short of inspiring, blending international expertise with local commitment to bring healing and hope to every patient treated.

Months before the team arrived, our clinic staff worked tirelessly to ensure each patient was medically fit for treatment. Many were unaware of underlying conditions like high blood pressure or elevated glucose levels until their pre-mission evaluations. Through coordinated care and education, patients gained control of their health and were able to safely undergo procedures that would significantly improve their quality of life.

This level of planning and compassion made the mission a true success—and now, long after the visiting team has returned home, its impact continues. Many patients suffering from chronic leg ulcers now visits Clinica Fara weekly for wound care, and we are thrilled to report ongoing, visible healing. These moments remind us that the mission wasn’t just about procedures—it was about transformation.

Steps Toward Healing

 
How patients are regaining strength, mobility, and hope—one step at a time.
The following dedicated individuals participated in the varicose vein medical mission, each contributing their unique expertise and compassion to support the community:
 
Medical Doctors: Dr. Sean Michael Tarrington Gregg, Dr. Ferdinand Johannes Ollewagen, Dr. Keith Scott Moore, and Dr. Gerhardus Johannes Hallerbe provided expert medical care and leadership throughout the mission.
Team Leader and Organizer: Anthony Jakubowski—fondly known as “Super Tony”—served as the team leader, donor, organizer, and equipment supplier, making the entire mission possible through his unwavering support.
Clinical and Support Team: Theresa Alousia Inderieden, Jeffrey John Boudreau, Philamina Duesdieker, Adriana Catharina Ollewagen, Andrea Faye Brennan, Joseph John Brennan, Holly Ann Grant, Rheanne Ashton Baldick, Christopher Miles, Kush Patel, Shelley Lynn Gaudry, Deanna Christine Starr, David Reich, and Eric Porter (sonographer) made vital contributions in various capacities, including as nurses, ultrasound professors, and support personnel.
 
Together, this extraordinary team delivered compassionate, coordinated care—leaving a lasting impact on the health and lives of those they served. 
One of the unexpected highlights came from a member of the team not listed on the official roster. The wife of one of the doctors—a retired physical therapist—volunteered her time and talents to help patients from our food distribution program with physical disabilities.
 
Her work was nothing short of miraculous: 
    • A man who had struggled since a stroke learned to walk with greater balance and now sits and stands on his own. 
    • A child who had lost the ability to stand after an illness was lovingly re-trained to rise again.
    • Several wound care patients—who had developed shuffling gaits due to pain—were taught to walk with strength and rhythm once more, helping circulate healthy blood through their legs and speed their healing. 
Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets expertise. We are profoundly grateful to all the volunteers and staff who gave so generously of their time, skill, and heart.
 
Thank you for your continued support of the Fara Foundation. Your generosity makes missions like this possible—and together, we are transforming lives with every step, guided by compassion and care. 
 
With gratitude,
The Fara Foundation Team
How You Can Help 
 
Your contributions help us make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families. If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, we invite you to join us. Every donation, whether large or small, brings us closer to offering hope and opportunity to more people like Elmer, a 30-year-old man who heard the world for the first time thanks to our mission. Together, we can open new possibilities for those in need.
 
Thank you for helping us make a difference.
 

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