In September 2024, Bridge of Life will return to Guatemala with a team of surgical volunteers to provide arteriovenous (AV) fistula surgeries to pediatric dialysis patients in partnership with in-country clinic, FUNDANIER. Approximately 20 pediatric patients from FUNDANIER will be served with AV Fistula surgeries. We will also host a series of training sessions during the week for nurses and PCTs on cannulation and fistula care as well as for fistula care for caregivers. In addition, for the first time, we will also be working with the adult dialysis unit to support adult patients in Guatemala City with fistula surgeries.

AV fistulas are the best way to provide dialysis treatment access for patients, as they generally last longer, have fewer infections and provide better treatment outcomes. But due to the cost of surgery and shortage of surgeons who can place fistulas in patients, dialysis patients in low-income countries often receive their treatment through catheters. Rather than providing a temporary access for new patients, these patients use their catheters indefinitely, ultimately resulting in the development of infections. Catheters also negatively impact patients' lifestyles. With a need to ensure catheters are always clean and bacteria-free, patients can't swim with them, and even showering is a risk. On top of the infection risks associated with catheters, there's also the very real stigma of having an unattractive device externally attached to the body. Children and adults tend to feel self-conscious and embarrassed of their catheters, wearing clothing that covers them despite the often hot and humid climates they live in.

Your support of our 2024 surgical mission to Guatemala will help us to provide AV fistula surgeries to pediatric patients being treated by FUNDANIER at Theodore Roosevelt Hospital, which will significantly lower their risk of infection, improve their treatment outcomes and provide them with a greater feeling of normalcy and freedom.