Provided by UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
A group of volunteers from UChicago Medicine AdventHealth recently returned from a week-long mission trip to the Dominican Republic — with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Partnering with AdventHealth Global Missions, AdventHealth University and local organizations, the team provided vital medical care, distributed wheelchairs and participated in a school construction project in the capital Santo Domingo.
At the medical clinic, the medical team treated more than 1,500 patients and dispensed nearly 5,000 prescriptions. In addition to clinical work, volunteers worked on a construction project, painting a newly built school in partnership with Maranatha Volunteers International. The school, soon to open its doors to local children, symbolized hope and opportunity, and the team's efforts helped bring that vision closer to reality.
The trip was not just about providing medical care or manual labor—it was about human connection. For many volunteers, the mission was as transformative for them as it was for the people they served.
“This mission trip felt like a reboot,” said Claudia Cheboub, oncology assistant nurse manager at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale. “The experience was a beautiful reminder of what life is and what it can be with a little help of a higher power.”
Genesis Berroa, consumer access lead specialist at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange shared a touching experience from the clinic that left a lasting impression on her. “On my last day, I met a terrified six-year-old boy,” she said. “I happened to have a small dinosaur card in my pocket and gave it to him. Instantly, his tears vanished, replaced by the brightest smile. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.”
One of the most moving experiences of the trip came during the “Chair the Love” event, where volunteers distributed wheelchairs to individuals who had been waiting for years. Katrina Anderson, inpatient pharmacy technician supervisor at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange, recalled meeting Jorge, a blind man who had been confined to his home due to mobility issues. “For him, this wheelchair meant freedom—the ability to go to the store, move around his home and sit outside. His gratitude was overwhelming,” she said. “That moment brought tears to my eyes—it was I who felt blessed.”
Cassandra Levitske, MD, resident physician at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale shared another powerful moment during the wheelchair distribution. “I met a man who had polio as a child and had lost the use of his legs. But his arms were incredibly strong, allowing him to care for his children,” she shared. “We all flexed our arms in solidarity, celebrating his strength together. It was a beautiful moment of connection.”
As the team returned home, they carried with them not just memories but a renewed commitment to extending the healing ministry of Christ. Their hearts were full—not only from the care they provided but from the kindness, resilience and gratitude they witnessed. “Our team’s efforts in the Dominican Republic exemplified what it means to serve with compassion, faith and love,” said Mark Bondarenko, executive director of mission and ministry at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth. “It reminds us all of the power of human connection and the impact of showing up for those in need.”
Chris Zurales is manager of marketing and communications at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.
