A Can of Formula Saved a Life - A Chinese American Doctor’s Medical Mission in Honduras
Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Central America, where access to healthcare and medical resources is severely limited. The average annual income is roughly one-sixth of that in the United States, yet the cost of medications can be nearly 30% higher.
Earlier this month, a Chinese American pediatrician from New York joined her church’s annual medical mission, traveling to Honduras to provide care and medications to nearly 100 children. During the trip, she helped save the life of a 20-day-old newborn.
Dr. Josephine Jung, a pediatric physician at Rendr, participated in the mission for the second consecutive year. Before departure, she and several colleagues at Rendr raised funds to purchase much-needed medications to bring with them.
During the week-long mission, Dr. Jung provided physical exams, diagnoses, and basic medications for approximately 100 children, including treatments for infections, fever, and parasites—all free of charge.
One case left a particularly deep impression. A mother arrived at the clinic carrying her 20-day-old son. Living in a mountainous area, she had recently given birth to twins. Her son was unable to tolerate breast milk and had been suffering from persistent diarrhea. With no resources or medical access, she had no idea what to do. After hearing about the mission, she borrowed money just to afford transportation to the clinic.
“When I saw the baby, he was already dehydrated,” Dr. Jung recalled. “I was examining him while trying to hold back tears. The look of desperation in the mother’s eyes—it was heartbreaking.”
At just 20 days old, the infant had gained less than half a pound since birth. He was severely underweight, his body frail and skeletal, and significantly smaller than his twin sister.
In the United States, this condition can often be treated with specialized infant formula. But in Honduras, a single can of the appropriate formula costs about $30, and a baby may need around 10 cans per month. For families earning only $500 to $600 a month, this is simply unaffordable.
After searching extensively, Dr. Jung managed to find the right formula locally. She also purchased bottles and a kettle, carefully teaching the mother how to sterilize equipment and properly prepare the formula. She even provided transportation money so the mother could return for a follow-up visit the next day.
When the baby returned, he was able to tolerate the formula. The diarrhea had stopped, and his condition had visibly improved. Only then did the team finally feel a sense of relief.
“But we knew the family wouldn’t be able to continue affording the formula,” Dr. Jung said. “We couldn’t just give them a couple of cans and walk away.”
After coordinating with the volunteer team, they arranged to provide the family with formula for at least four months, distributing it monthly to support the baby through this critical stage of development.
Dr. Jung emphasized that beyond medical care, the mission team believes in long-term impact. In addition to providing healthcare services, volunteers also helped repair roads, offer childcare support, and provide vocational training to local residents.
“We believe in not just giving help, but creating opportunities,” she said. “Through education and skills, we hope to bring lasting hope to these communities.”
Click here to read the original article from Sing Tao Daily