Mission To Peru

A Promise Fulfilled
By: Donny Suh, M.D.

On my first SEE International trip, my long flight to Lima, Peru gave me a chance to reflect upon my own personal reasons for this mission.

I grew up in a poor environment with my mother and brother. My mother had chronic eye infections due to dacryocystitis and could not obtain any medical help because of our financial situation.

Two years ago, before my mother passed away, one of her last hopes for me was that I become a compassionate doctor so that I could help people. As an affiliate of SEE, I have the opportunity to help others in need. When I arrived in Pucallpa on a Saturday evening, members of the Rotary Club met Phil Ritchey, M.D., Randy Burks, M.D., and me at the airport. We then went to the hospital to set up our operating room. I never realized how much work is involved in these missions. We started seeing patients early Sunday morning.

I had the opportunity to meet many memorable patients, but Jon, one of my first patients, stands out. He was expressionless and appeared very scared. I suspected that he might be developmentally delayed because his grandmother had to constantly guide him. After a quick eye examination, I realized that Jon had dense bilateral pediatric cataracts. The exact duration was unknown, but I felt it to have been present for many years.

The days following surgery, Jon's life completely changed. His face was full of life and he couldn't hide his smile. We had three cameramen from the local media interviewing us. Jon was somewhat intimidated, but he still couldn't hid his excitement from being able to see. At the farewell party organized by the hospital, Jon's grandmother sang with great joy about her grandson's life as a blind child and how the doctors came and saved his sight. After the song was over, as I looked around and saw virtually everyone in the auditorium in tears.

I thought I had come to Pucallpa to help people in need, but in reality, they helped me to become a better and more compassionate doctor. They have given me their friendship and lifelong memories. As I reflect upon this trip, I realize that I have gained far more than I have given.