This article from the Grays Lake Review covers the experiences of  Susan and Tom Papagiannis on the January 31 trip to Camagüey.  It’s worth quoting at length.

Working in the medical field, Susan and Tom Papagiannis, of Grayslake, say they understand how vital it is to have the proper technology and equipment to treat patients, but outside of the United States, there are many struggling countries whose medical professionals are making due with antiquated resources.

The couple recently had the opportunity to travel to Camaguey, Cuba, on a volunteer mission to deliver much-needed medical equipment to hospitals and clinics through a humanitarian organization called the Wisconsin Medical Project. Since 2003, the organization’s donations have exceeded $500,000 in value.

The trip to Cuba Jan. 31-Feb. 7 was a first for Susan, a medical technician at a hospital in Kenosha, Wis., and her husband, Tom, who sells medical supplies and equipment, but it’s one they won’t forget.

The couple said it was rewarding to see first hand those would benefit from the donations of medical supplies including baby formula, lab equipment and medical texts, which the volunteers carried with them in their luggage.

“Their wish list is big,” said Susan of the hospitals and clinics in Camaguey.

She said some of the items are so expensive, “who knows if they’d ever be able to get them” if not through a donation.

She acknowledged the clinics in Camaguey are quite good and there is no shortage of doctors.

“They do a lot with what little they have, and they were so happy to have us there. They were grateful.”

The couple was joined on the mission trip by nine other Wisconsin Medical Project volunteers, including medical professionals and city officials from Madison, Wis., Camaguey’s sister city.

The volunteers visited half a dozen facilities including a maternity hospital, a home for expectant mothers, a school for the deaf and a place called Project Hope, for disabled children.

Susan said the timing of the trip, though unintentional, was made special because Camaguey was celebrating its 495th anniversary. The volunteers got to experience several cultural events throughout the city including salsa dancing and the opening of a new art exhibit at the municipal building. During a dinner with the city’s president, the U.S. National Anthem was played in the group’s honor. They also traded gifts and the flags of their countries.

“The people were so nice,” said Susan. “I was glad to go and would go again.”

Volunteers with the Wisconsin Medical Project make about four trips to Camaguey annually, and they pay their own travel expenses. Susan and Tom Papagiannis said they may go again in the fall if their schedules permit.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Medical Project, visit www.wismedproject.org.