My Copan Experience- November 2007 I first visited Copan in August of 2007 and my heart was touched by the children I met at La Pintada. I had such a strong desire to help that all I could do when I returned to Florida was plan on getting back. I was put in touch with this wonderful organization called Paramedics For Children and contacted Rodger Harrison about returning to Copan. His hard work over the past 11 years has produced among other things, a wonderful clinic. I began collecting medicines and supplies to take with me and my friend Paul Sanchez and I arrived with 2 large boxes on November 12th. We delivered the supplies to the clinic and saw that this was a busy place! The day we arrived, the female doctor had just finished caring for a large hand laceration from a machete when a German tourist came in with a near fatal allergic reaction from a wasp bite. Paul and I helped the doctor stabilize this patient. It was a challenging experience doing emergency medicine in a foreign country! Luckily this clinic is available for anyone in need! We spent a few hours the following day organizing the medicine closet and labeling the shelves. That day a baby that was most likely immunocompromised presented with recurrent infections and fevers. Then a middle aged female presented with a thyroid mass most likely a malignancy. It was an interesting day. I couldn't help but wonder that if this clinic wasn't here, these folks wouldn't have any medical care.

This was a wonderful experience and one I will always cherish. The people of Copan and Honduras are friendly and are grateful but need so much more! I want to get back and help again, perhaps next time seeing my own patients in the clinic. Already I am starting to collect supplies for the next trip! Valerie Ryan MD