03/22/2026
With heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ben Doz, Marley, and our incredible team, we have successfully completed five and a half days of clinics in Guatemala. They lead with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to serving the Guatemalan people.
Together, we were able to make a meaningful impact:
• 1,006 patients seen in the eye clinic by Drs. Ben Doz and Geraldine Solorzano
• 220 reading glasses distributed
• 278 prescription glasses ordered (to be made in Edmonton and delivered)
• 232 patients seen by family physician Dr. Pierre-Charles Gretillat
• 90 patients attended group health sessions
• 24 cataract surgeries completed by Drs. Javier and Fatima Marroquin
• 36 pterygium surgeries performed by Dr. Jennifer Hodges and her assistant, Nurse Marlin Sanchez Gonzales.
• 416 patients treated by our chiropractor, Dr. Roman Bayrock, and physiotherapist, Tracy Solorzano
• 200 patients cared for by Dr. Alphonso Ibarra in the dental clinic
This was a deeply impactful mission, made possible by so many people. To Janice Hengsbach for organizing all the medical equipment for the trip. We are especially grateful to the Marroquin and Solorzano families for organizing the clinics, providing meals, and arranging accommodations for such a large team. Thanks to Miguel for organizing and sponsoring accommodation and transportation for the team. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Barillas for your support throughout the week, and to our incredible interpreters who bridged languages from local dialects to Spanish to English. Thank you to Phil Wong, Brian Bennett, Cathy Anderson, Ryan McRitchie and the Optometrists Clinic for supplies and glasses that were donated to the patients.
To our volunteer team from Edmonton West—your long hours, dedication, and passion for helping others made all the difference.
And to the people of San Rafael: thank you for your patience, your warmth, and your gratitude. We are truly honored to have met you, learned from your culture, and experienced your beautiful country.
We look forward to returning next year. 💙
Club Rotario Barillas D4250 Rotary International Rotary International District 5370