LaFollette’s Role in Life Changing Medical Mission

We all strive to do the best job we can, but when we can combine quality work with a meaningful outcome, that’s when beautiful things can happen. DeRoyal frequently donates both domestically and internationally, and aids many groups when there is need for supplies and products. We often state that we are a global company with a hometown feel and that mindset sometimes gives us the opportunity to make a big difference—this is one of those times.

Our relationship with Faith in Practice is a special one. Each year since 1991, Faith in Practice has led local efforts to provide medical services to Guatemala. As time has progressed, Faith in Practice has been able to grow and become a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Faith in Practice had their 25th anniversary on May 23rd, a milestone that is to be celebrated. Since 1994 they continued to organize trips that included hundreds of doctors, nurses and health care providers from Houston and other parts of the United States to travel as self-funded volunteers to Guatemala. Their goal is to do life changing short-term surgical, medical, dental and educational missions on a regular basis within the local community of Guatemala. What tends to happen is the volunteers unexpectedly experience their own life changing moments in return for their selfless service.

Guatemala is a country in need. Fifty-nine percent of the population lives below the poverty line so it’s understandable that they are also the 4th worst country in malnutrition. We spoke to Rev. Linda L. McCarty, President and Chief Executive Officer, and she shared several stories from her numerous trips since joining in 2007. One story in particular stood out, involving a 34-year-old that has battled polio since the age of 3. This man also has a 6-year-old son, whom he walks to school every day, using crutches due to foot deformities from the affects of Polio. He simply wants a wheelchair so he can more easily accompany his son to school. Over 25,000 patients are seen annually by 39 Faith in Practice medical groups, 1,500 US volunteers and 1,000 Guatemalan volunteers. The procedures range from orthopedic, general plastic surgery, gynecology to dentistry.

This is where DeRoyal comes in. One of our very own, Johnny Hibbett, met physician Randy Hartline in Knoxville, TN. Naturally, conversation began about the DeRoyal manufacturing capabilities, as well as our ties with Guatemala through our manufacturing plant. This conversation evolved to how DeRoyal could serve Faith in Practice. Dr. Hartline has been involved with Faith in Practice for some time, performing surgeries and traveling extensively with his clinical team. In fact, his most recent trip to Guatemala was in June. We have invited several folks from Faith in Practice to Lafollette, TN to see our operations and brainstorm ideas for further collaboration. Faith in Practice receives many donations and supplies from various companies and manufacturers, however, the problem has been with duplicate items and items they couldn’t use. This hasn't been an ideal situation.