Message from the Interim CEO

Heal a Child. Change the World.
For twenty years, you have helped bring this motto to life through World Pediatric Project. For so many children, you have not just changed their lives but saved them. For so many families, you have given them hope and joy and promises of so many days to come. For our volunteers, you’ve empowered them to lend their talent and skills to deliver world-class care to those who need it the most. For our partner countries, you’ve helped create access to healthcare for the youngest and most vulnerable lives.
The last year has been challenging, but we’ve used that time to challenge ourselves and creatively implement solutions to deliver specialty healthcare to children who need it the most – some of whom cannot wait. Your continued support has helped us adapt and change. The stories in this report highlight just some of the ways that we’re still connecting children with the care they so desperately need, no matter what the world has thrown at us.
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we also celebrate you and your passion and commitment to making a lasting difference in the world. Thank you for being a partner in changing the world.
– Brian D. Shaw
Interim CEO
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The Best Possible Care – And Then Some
– Kate Corbett, Senior Program Director, US & International Referral Program
Many of our WPP patients travel home after their surgical treatment in the U.S. with a repaired heart, restored eyesight, straight legs, or able to breathe easier after the correction of a crooked spine. Johan needed no surgical care, but his time spent in St. Louis was life-changing in ways we never could have imagined.
Expanding Orthopedic Care in the Caribbean
– Alicia Manteiga, Program Director, International Teams
For the last decade, World Pediatric Project’s Eastern Caribbean Orthopedic Program has helped thousands of children live more active, happier lives. Medical volunteer teams have travelled annually to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to provide surgery to children from the region, many who would fly in for a consultation, surgery, and physical therapy. Given the increasing demand for orthopedic services, in recent years WPP added a second annual surgical team, plus specialized teams to treat pediatric upper extremity conditions of the hand, wrist, and shoulder.
Enhanced Collaborations to Obtain Care in Central America
– Natalia Rosales, Senior Program Director, Central America Program Director, US Referral Prorgram
Unlike some other regions, many countries in Central America do have pediatric specialists available to care for children with complex needs. However, access to surgical care is often limited to those with financial means. Accessibility to safe, well-equipped hospitals and affordability of surgical supplies make the cost of surgery unaffordable for many families.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines – La Soufrière Volcano Relief & Recovery Efforts
– Alicia Manteiga, Program Director, International Teams
For more than 20 years, World Pediatric Project has helped deliver surgical and specialty medical care to the children of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Thanks to your support, we have been able to help in the aftermath the first explosive eruption of La Soufrière in 42 years in three key areas: Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding.