The People of Guatemala
With an average salary of $400 per month, our patients are often unable to justify the cost of life-improving surgeries. This can range from a 2-year-old with skeletal deformities to a 78-year-old in desperate need of a total knee replacement. Most of our patients travel for hundreds of miles to reach Antigua just to wait in line for their chance to get scheduled for surgery.
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The Knoxville Medical Mission Foundation works hand-in-hand with local medical providers to screen and prepare patients for surgeries. After a thorough review process, patients come to Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro in Antigua a day before their scheduled surgery in case there is a chance to get them into the operating room early.
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Some patients will wait years for their chance, so each year we strive to increase our impact so that we can help more people.
The City of Antigua
Antigua, nestled in the southwestern region of Guatemala, stands as a captivating testament to its rich history and vibrant culture. Originally founded in 1527 as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, it was a pivotal hub for Spanish colonial governance, bridging the gap between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. However, fate dealt a volcanic blow when an eruption from the slopes of Volcán de Agua razed the city. Undeterred, the resilient inhabitants rebuilt, christening their new home Ciudad Vieja (“Old City”). Subsequently, another Santiago emerged in 1542, flourishing as a bustling center of politics, economics, religion, and culture, boasting a population of around 60,000. This thriving city, later devastated by an earthquake, transformed into the iconic Antigua Guatemala — a living museum of Spanish colonial history. Its cobblestone streets echo tales of grandeur, while the remnants of colonial edifices evoke a sense of awe. The University of San Carlos, established in 1676, now houses the Museum of Colonial Art, and the entire city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Against the backdrop of towering volcanoes, Antigua’s benign climate and picturesque setting continue to attract visitors, making it a cherished resort and a place where history whispers through every sun-kissed wall and vibrant courtyard.
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In this enchanting city, the Barroco antigüeño, a regional adaptation of Baroque architecture, stands as a testament to both creativity and practicality. Designed to withstand seismic activity, it graces the landscape alongside the Renaissance grid pattern. Antigua’s cultural heritage extends beyond architecture—its annual Holy Week festival is renowned throughout the country. Modern hotels nestle amidst the ruins, offering tranquility to travelers. As you wander through its streets, you’ll find language schools, bookstores, and research institutes—a blend of tradition and contemporary vibrancy. Antigua Guatemala, once the beating heart of Central America, now thrives as a living canvas where history, resilience, and beauty converge
