Experiencing the magic of Extramile pediatrics is a privilege everyone should experience. Serving the communities of Guatemala is something that has completely changed me. My very first trip in 2023 to now in 2025 I have been able to see how much has changed in the communities and the children, the trust they have in us to keep coming back to see us every 6 months is incredible. Extramile truly goes the extra mile to make sure we are treating these families with love and kindness. I see the good that we are doing on these trips and the impact we have on them but I also have been affected from these trips. There’s not enough words or even the right words to fully encompass the work we do and how it changes you as a human over time. Ever since I was a little kid all I have ever wanted to do was to help people and through Extramile it has made this little girls dream come true. If you have the chance to come on a trip you should, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done

During our time in El Salvador i was able to revisit communities and children who i met in October of 2024. It was very rewarding to see familiar faces and be able to reconnect with the families in the communities! Working with La Red and other members of the community was wonderful because we were also able to create more sustainability in women’s health. I loved going back to central america for a third time with EMP, and i’m looking forward to the next trip!

To say that this experience was life-changing is an understatement! I was able to take care of/give medications to/have the most fun with the next generation, become more included in the healthcare field I pursue to join through my continuing Bachelors of Science in Nursing education at the University of Toledo, Ohio, and meet amazing individuals who have opened my eyes to what my career could look like in Pediatric Care. With this experience, I feel more prepared/eager to join the healthcare field to help all people and continue my studies to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the near future. I never thought one week could change my life until I joined this Extra Mile Team; I finally learned that Pediatrics is more than just the words, it’s about the FEEL (as said by the best, Dr. Jeff!!) I am BEYOND grateful for my mom/best friend for finding this program/pursuing this experience with me, the opportunities this program has opened my eyes to, and the amazing staff (Mr. Jeff, Ms. Jackie, etc.)/July 2025 volunteer team of Extra Mile Pediatrics who I have been able to make connections/form bonds with in only one week! This journey takes a TEAM, and this team changed my life forever more, I am coming home with a changed heart, opened eyes, and a full life ahead to give back! ¡TE AMO GUATE!

I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Guatemala with Extra Mile Pediatrics for the past 2 years, and every time it has been a transformative experience. Every family deserves access to primary care, and EMP’s mission of returning to care for the same communities every 6 months is truly amazing. The culture of this team is that of treating every patient as though they were the most important person in the world. My favorite moments were not the interesting medical cases,but rather, the chances I had to listen to and reassure a worried mom or grandma, to talk about school and the future with a teen, to hug a smiley toddler, or to laugh with an giggling baby. You come with your hands open ready to serve, and you leave with your heart full.