"It is the right

of every person

to attain the highest attainable

standard of health."

MISSION

It is the right of every person to attain the highest attainable standard of health.

Our health events offer free medical, blood, and vision assessments to marginalized men, women,

and children of all ages.  Additionally, we provide partial or complete coverage for medicine

expenses, ensuring access to essential treatments without financial burden. 

In epidemic crises like floods, hurricanes, droughts, or pandemics, we swiftly distribute crucial

humanitarian aid, including medication, temporary lodging, and nutritious food, while ensurin

that affected communities receive vital support when needed. 

Finding Freedom Through Friendship health

events are orchestrated by dedicated volunteer

doctors, nurses, and community leaders who work

tirelessly to provide essential healthcare services. 

We raise awareness about vaccinations, proper healthcare practices, hygiene protocols, and disease prevention through strategic community partnerships with clinics, government health initiatives, and pharmacies.  These collaborative efforts are pivotal to the success and impact of our events, ensuring that our outreach extends far beyond medical assistance.

The health care systems in Egypt and Guatemala need more financial and human resources. The limited capacity, infrastructure, discrimination, and a lack of transparency and accountability make this difficult.

Simple, inexpensive and safe procedures could prevent most illnesses. In response to this dire need for affordable healthcare practitioners close to home, this project aspires to establish and expand clinics in poor rural communities.

PHOTO GALLERY

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(GUATEMALA)

A story of resilience and acceptance

Meet Sergio

Sergio was referred to Finding Freedom Through Friendship in 2016 by his local Guatemalan community leader.  While doing tree work, Sergio fell 40 feet and severed his spinal cord.  His injury left him paralyzed from the waist down, resulting in a long-term hospitalization.

The Long Difficult Recovery from Injury

Rehabilitation and assisted devices were lacking in his village.  After his injury, Sergio's wife left the marriage and took his daughter.  Sergio was dependent on his bachelor brother and elderly mother for his care.  At the time of inclusion into our medical program, Sergio had high fevers, chronic urinary and kidney infections, and lacked a wheelchair.  He was bedridden, depressed and had little hope of a viable future.  There are no services available to disabled people in the small mountain community where he lives.

Making Progress with Help from FFF

FFF purchased and delivered a wheelchair for Sergio. We bought a bed and medical care supplies and arranged transportation for him to a central medical facility in Guatemala City to validate that restorative surgery was not an option. To increase his marginal self-sufficiency, FFF assisted with the donation of barber shop equipment and instructed Sergio on how to use it, so he could earn a small income by providing haircuts for residents. Without reliable electricity, Sergio and his family were without light in the evening.  FFF was able to make a donation of solar lights which were a very welcome addition.

The following year we built a small one-room store that Sergio could operate from his wheelchair.  Initially stocking it with dry goods and drinks, Sergio could take proceeds from the initial FFF investment and restock his store. Sergio is the only male we have taken into our Community Health program: his situation was dire, he lacked any medical support and his chronic kidney infections were predicted to shorten his life.  

Finding a Way to Independence

A follow-up visit in 2023 validated Sergio's success in taking control of his life. He has reconnected with his daughter who lives locally. Sergio's brother has married and has small children but continues to care for Sergio. The two men operate the store together and have demonstrated the benefits of having a nuclear family who are invested in the well-being of each other and working together for financial solidarity. Sergio demonstrated a sense of well-being, had gained weight and appeared to be the happiest we had seen him over the years.

Our decision to take Sergio into our Community Health Program was unusual but the outcome has validated that it was the correct decision not only for Sergio but for his daughter and extended family.

Figure 1:

Sergio in 2016 after receiving his wheelchai

from FFF

Figure 2:

Sergio with his young daughter in 2019

Figure 3:

Sergio’s FFF donated micro-busines

SUCCESS STORIES

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(EGYPT)

Health Day Events Assist

Hundreds Of Patients

Accessing Health Care in Rural Egypt

Individuals living in remote villages in Egypt must travel long distances to access medical care, which is costly and time-consuming. These individuals lack access to quality healthcare due to geographical isolation, transportation challenges, financial constraints and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Establishing health day clinics in rural communities brings affordable healthcare to the population, improving life expectancy and decreasing child mortality. To encourage attendance, "hygienic kits" are distributed.  Kits include items such as dental supplies (toothbrush, paste, floss), midwifery kits, bandages, soap, hygiene pads, etc.

How We Help

Since 2018, FFF has sponsored an annual community event, "The Health Oasis," at impoverished locations in Egypt.  The event draws hundreds of people who most likely have never visited a doctor. The annual health event offers free medical, vision, and dental assessments.  In addition, the event provides one month of medication and raises awareness of health issues. The event engages volunteer doctors from various specialties, such as Optometrists (Eye), Gastroenterologists (Stomach), Pediatrics (Children), Gynecologists (Reproductive), Orthopedists (Bone), and Dermatologists (Skin).  Typically, there is a team of 6 to 10 doctors.

A make-shift pharmacy is set up onsite.  For chronic illnesses, patients are

referred to a specialist.

"The Health Oasis" event is usually held at sites with existing or partially established clinics. The establishment of rural health clinics significantly transforms communities.  These clinics play a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the overall well-being of rural populations.

Since inception of these events, Finding Freedom Through Friendship, in partnership with Egyptian organizations and health care workers, have assisted over 10,000 patients on their journey toward better health.

(GUATEMALA)

Donated Water Filters:

Improving Health In Rural Households

Why is there a need for water filtration in Guatemala?

The majority of rural areas in Guatemala lack access to clean and safe drinking water. Water sources such as rivers, streams, and wells can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens due to agricultural runoff, improper sewage disposal, and lack of infrastructure for water treatment. Consuming contaminated water leads to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A. These diseases can cause severe illness, especially among children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Chronic exposure to contaminated water can also lead to long-term health issues. Most of the community health patients Finding Freedom Through Friendship volunteer nurses care for in rural Guatemala suffer from parasites secondary to contaminated water.

How Our Donations of Filters Help

Water filters act as a barrier, removing harmful contaminants from drinking water and making it safe for consumption. By providing access to clean water, water filters help prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes in rural communities. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations who may be at higher risk of illness due to limited access to healthcare resources. The use of water filters can significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, leading to a decrease in morbidity (the rate of illness) and mortality (the rate of death) associated with these diseases. This, in turn, contributes to improved quality of life and increased life expectancy among residents of rural Guatemala. Beyond health benefits, the provision of water filters empowers communities by giving them control over their water supply. Rather than relying on intermittent deliveries of bottled water or untreated sources, communities can filter water locally, ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of safe water.

The Need Continues

Through our partnership with Water4Life Ministry, Finding Freedom Through Friendship has donated 125 water filters to rural Guatemalan households. These donations continue to be in high demand by Mayan mothers who understand the toxic effects of local water on their family members.