Each year, a handful of medical professionals from San Diego head out on a mission to help the underprivileged communities of Mexico. Established in 1987, The Mercy Outreach Surgical Team, M.O.S.T., has brought hope, relief, and the opportunity for a better life for children and adults through life-changing surgeries. Over the past 3 decades, these missions have transformed the lives of over 13,500 patients.

The week-long trips take place 2 to 3 times a year, typically in the spring and fall. The teams consist of physicians, nurses, and administrative members who volunteer their time and skills. M.O.S.T. is a non-profit organization funded completely by people’s generosity and philanthropy, which is what makes this opportunity so important to the SDBotox family.

 

How Dr. Alex Roher Partnered with M.O.S.T.

As an anesthesiologist and founder of SDBotox, Dr. Roher has always cared deeply about helping others. After hearing about M.O.S.T. from his colleague and volunteer, Nina Chaya, MD, Dr. Roher knew he had to get involved. Since learning about the organization in 2015, he’s committed his time to 3 trips and will continue to participate for as long as he can.

His most recent trip occurred in October, in which he visited Morelia, Michoacan. During his 5 day mission, he worked up to 10 hours each day and performed anesthesia for roughly 40 patients. From his experience, Dr. Roher states,

 

“I love the group of medical professionals who go on these trips.  Everyone is there because they want to be there. They’re donating their time and talents to help kids who otherwise couldn’t get surgery.  This lends itself to a real sense of community. The teamwork is amazing. In just five days we perform around 200 surgeries. They are some long days but incredibly rewarding.”

Dr. Alex Roher

 

Dr. Roher has witnessed first hand the positive impact of M.O.S.T. for families seeking medical care. As a new dad himself, Dr. Roher finds helping families and children rewarding and hopes to have many more opportunities to give back. Currently, he is planning to join the team for the next trips occurring in 2019.

       

Ways to Give Back

As the team prepares for its next trip in April 2019 in Tehuacan, Puebla, SDBotox would like to take the opportunity to invite our readers to donate. M.O.S.T. is the only charity that SDBotox supports or sponsors.

There are many ways to support the efforts of M.O.S.T. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online. With your donation, M.O.S.T. can fund various treatments for children and adults.  

• $100 provides an eye exam and eyeglasses for 1 child
• $500 sponsors one team member
• $3,500 funds surgery for 10 children
• $15,000 covers medications for a trip
• $25,000 provides supplies for one mission

 

Other ways to give:

• Estate and planned gifts
• Monthly or annual donations
• Gifts in cash, check, or credit card

In addition to these donations, M.O.S.T. hosts the annual Mariachi Festival, an event that benefits the cause through different money raising efforts like live auctions, food, and music. Don’t miss the 8th Annual M.O.S.T. Mariachi Festival happening on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay.

Learn more about the organization by visiting their site, here. 

   

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