Reflections from the 2026 FARA Foundation Medical Mission

This May, Clínica Fara welcomed an extraordinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists, translators, volunteers, and supporters for the 2026 FARA Foundation Medical Mission. From May 10 through May 15, the clinic became a place of focused care, collaboration, and compassion as patients received vascular evaluations, ultrasound screenings, wound care, physical therapy, procedures, compression support, and follow up guidance.

For many patients, the mission offered relief after years of pain, chronic wounds, limited mobility, or lack of access to specialized care. They arrived with hope and were met by a team committed not only to treatment, but to dignity, patience, and kindness.

This year’s mission brought together four Canadian physicians led once again by Dr. Sean Gregg, alongside an extraordinary group of medical professionals and volunteers who generously gave their time, skills, and hearts to serve the people of Nicaragua.

Many volunteers returned after previous missions, while others experienced Clínica Fara for the very first time. Though each person arrived with different backgrounds and experiences, they quickly became united through service, compassion, and the shared desire to help others heal.

In a heartfelt message to the team after the mission, Dr. Sean Gregg reflected:

“What stays with me is not simply what was done, but how it was done, with patience, humility, gentleness, and grace.”

Those words beautifully captured the spirit of this year’s mission.

The Heart of Clínica Fara

The Translation of Gratitude and Hope

Throughout the week, patients received vascular evaluations, ultrasounds, wound care treatment, physiotherapy, laser procedures, injections, compression therapy, and follow up care. Many left encouraged, knowing they had been cared for not only medically, but also with dignity, kindness, and patience.

Recent high school graduate Camila Mendoza volunteered as a translator during the mission and later reflected on her experience in a testimony titled The Translation of Gratitude and Hope. She described the atmosphere inside Clínica Fara as one filled not only with medical expertise, but also humanity, warmth, and compassion. Watching patients regain hope after years of suffering deeply impacted her, leading her to write:

“You are truly changing lives.”

Nurse Holly Grant, who returned for her second year with the mission team, shared a heartfelt reflection afterward, writing that her time at Clínica Fara “changed my life.” She spoke about the lasting impact made not only by the patients, but by every member of the clinic staff, volunteers, drivers, translators, cooks, and caregivers who made the mission possible.

Alongside Camila, Patricia Salazar, Leila Farahani, Sophia Kian, Veronica Montes, and Maria Cisne Farahani dedicated countless hours helping support patients, volunteers, and clinic operations throughout the week.

Special Appreciation & Acknowledgments

Behind every patient story was a team willing to serve with extraordinary compassion.

Physicians

Dr. Shawnik Bhargava
Dr. Sean Michael Tarrington Gregg
Dr. Ryan John McColl
Dr. Ferdinand Johannes Ollewagen

Medical Team & Volunteers

Rheanne Ashton Baldick
Jeff Boudroux
Andrea Faye Brennan
Joseph John Brennan
Dr. Philomina Duesdieker
Leila Farahani
Maria Cisne Farahani
Shelley Lynn Gaudry
Holly Ann Grant
Ernestina Lopez Guzman
Sophia Kian
Melissa Theresa Anna Lybeck
Camila Mendoza
Brittany McKenzie
Christopher Miles
Veronica Montes
Annica Ollewagen
David Reich
Patricia Salazar
Rebecca “Becky” Schumaker

Clínica Fara Staff

Gisselle Ayestas
Rosibel Blandon
Martha Castro
Marcela Cisne
Teresa Donaire
Parisa Farahani
Lucy Guzman
Maria Hernandez
Sabas Hernandez
Dra. Oreling Martinez
Junielka Salgado
Dra. Flavia Sosa
Dra. Ninoska Velez

Mission Leadership & Longtime Supporters

Anthony “Tony” Jakubowski
Terri Jakubowski

Administrative Support

Xiomara Campos, Legal Advisor
Maryan Cruz, Accountant

We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Clínica Fara team, whose dedication throughout the year makes each medical mission possible. Their commitment to patient care before, during, and after the mission is the foundation upon which this work is built.

We are also grateful to Christopher Miles, David Reich, and Medi for generously donating support stockings, lumbar braces, and CircAid supplies that directly benefited patients during the mission.

Learn more about Medi and their commitment to patient care.

Looking Ahead

Although the medical mission lasted only a few days, its impact will continue long after the week ended. Patients will continue healing, families will continue supporting one another, and the compassion shared inside Clínica Fara will continue to ripple outward through families, communities, and lives changed for years to come.

At FARA Foundation and Clínica Fara, we remain deeply grateful for every volunteer, donor, supporter, and friend who helps make this work possible.

Together, we continue building a future where compassion, dignity, and quality medical care remain accessible to those who need it most.

With gratitude,

FARA Foundation