Welcome to H.E.R.O.

Health & Educational Relief Organization

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...a little can benefit many...

HERO is able to maintain the independence that allows us to provide urgent medical care to hundreds of people in the Caribbean each year.

On behalf of the HERO's directors and volunteers, more importantly, the people whom we assist, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to you for your belief in our humanitarian work and your ongoing support in making it a reality.
--Thank you!

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H.E.R.O.

Testimonials

Health & Educational Relief Organization (H.E.R.O.)
Gina Eubanks

What it means to me

Traveling to Guyana with HERO has given me the opportunity to be a part of a great cause.
I have been able to delve further into what's important to me helping others.
It means so much to me when we return and the people we saw the year before remember us and are so happy to see that we are there again.

Cultural Experience

Going to Guyana has been an exciting cultural experience as well.
Most of my time in Guyana has been on the rivers. Thus, most of my cultural experiences have been there as well.
I wondered whether or not the people who lived on the river would be similar to the Yanomamos in South America. But, what I discovered was modern people with a rich culture that lacks the means of a modern standard of living and is need of medical care.

Cultural Experience Continued

On the rivers, the people hunt and practice slash-and-burn agriculture for food. Occasionally, they will go into one of the coastal cities for food or buy food and drinks from the boat that travels down the river.
The main forms of transportation on the rivers are paddleboats and canoes.
I have also found that the people we see and meet in Guyana have been some of the kindest people I have ever met.

Thank You

I would like to take the time to say thank you to Dr. Sampson for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful experience.
Dr. Sampson has been an inspiration and role model to me because he cares about his patients and dedicates his time to helping people in need.
His actions have helped me define the meaning of a good physician and person.

Sandia Venord
Florida State Univ.
Major: Biology- Premed

I actually liked everything about the trip. I liked the people I was working with and I enjoyed helping the people that were in need. I learned a lot during this trip. I got to see many different cases such as people with high blood glucose, pressure, etc. This trip definitely met all my expectations. I can certainly say that I had a lot of great experiences with the people, the work and everything else that was present. Going on another trip would definitely be something I would want to do again. Now, I am more certain that I really want to be a doctor. I so loved communicating with the patients that I want to experience the same feeling over again.

Ashley Griffith
Florida A & M Univ
Major: 5th year Pharm D

My experience was amazing. I have confirmed my motto, to never plan my expectations, because life experiences are far beyond my expectations. I am truly moved by the people that I have met on this trip. To meet a cross section of medical professionals and students coming together for cause, helps me understand why this will not be my last medical mission. I understand that there is a lot of work to be done. Treating the patients helped me understand why I want to be a pharmacist. Furthermore, it helped developed my patient counseling skills. My knowledge as a pharmacist is ineffective, if I can't relay on my knowledge to the patients. Thank you for this miraculous and humbling opportunity.

Gina Macedo- Singh
Florida A & M Univ
Major: Biological Science

Overall on this trip I have learned that one person can truly make a difference on many people. Just seeing the gratitude and appreciation in each person's face irrespective of how long they waited really touched me in more ways than even describable. I just loved the opportunity I had to actually interact with the patients and learn more about their lives the most. That in itself made the trip completely worth it in everyway possible. This trip has also exceeded all possible expectations and as such I am anxiously awaiting my next medical mission trip. Although I wish there was more that we could do, this trip has opened my eyes to so much more and has strengthened my resolve to be a doctor ten fold. If there were any doubts before, this trip has most definitely renewed my spirit and determination to be a doctor.

Crystal Perreault
Florida State Univ.
Major: Psychology- Pre Med

This trip was WONDERFUL!!! It was much different then my previous mission trip, which made it all the more meaningful. I met an awesome group of students, a wonderful group of local Jamaicans, and an awesome team of doctors. Just experiencing everything that took place in the clinics and feeling the appreciation from the local people is something that always touches my heart. This trip was great, and I am officially hooked! These trips help me sharpen my goals and clear up my future visions. I truly appreciate all of the leaders/ doctors who take the time to make these life changing experiences possible. Once again it exceeded my expectations. WAHOO!! THANK YOU!!

Emmanuela Francois
Florida State University
Major: Biochemistry Pre Med

Jamaica, Jamaica! There is so much to be said about this trip, but I will start with the many joys associated with the trip. One joy was to be able to practice medicine at its best. I have volunteered in doctors' offices and worked in pharmacies and I know how powerful it can be dealing with insurance companies, so it was great to help the people with no strings attached. It was a joy to help someone who was extremely diabetic, it was a joy to help an old lady/man pick out a pair of glasses; it was emotional to see the happiness on their faces when they tried a pair of glasses on. It was a joy to see the children smiling when they received toys and school items. My heart was filled with joy when I received a hug from a child who wants to hug you just because they know you're here for them. It was a joyful moment to know that we were making a difference in someone's life by providing them with the medication that they need, but I can't help to think of what will happen after that last tablet. Will they have the funds to purchase another month supply, or will they wait until next time? This was the heartbreaking part of the trip. Overall, this trip was an enjoyable one.

I appreciate what I have and to complain less about my problems. The people there have so little, but have so much joy in their heart. I have gained experience in many different areas that will later contribute to my success in becoming a physician. I supposedly come to Jamaica to touch lives but m heart was touch in return. It touched me to see how grateful these people were. It really touched me on the last day of the clinic to know that they put on a presentation just for us.

Sorry for all this writing, but I cannot put this pen down without mentioning the team of professionals that accompanied us on this trip. We had the coolest, most down to earth doctors I've ever met. I want to thank them for being the way they were. Dr. O'Brian, aka J.O.B., is the funniest doctor I've met. I want to thank him for teaching us so much and also for the shadowing opportunity. Dr. Sampson and Dr. Collie are the most caring doctors I've met. They'll do almost anything to make us comfortable and I love that about them.

Dr. Michelle, she's just too funny; I love sitting in with her. Her interaction with the patients is honest and funny. Ms. Jackie is amazing, funny, and crazy. I will miss al of them and cannot wait to work with the again in Guyana. This trip has been an amazing one. The people, the lifestyle, and the food reminded me of my hometown. It completely met my expectations I knew that I wanted to be a physician, but this trip was just a conformation. I was happy doing what I was doing, I was happy helping those people. This medical mission trip helps me realize that I will not be happy doing anything else but medicine. Thank you HERO and CAMEO.