Refuge International continues to grow, thanks to our volunteers! We have gone from 2 surgical trips a year in one location to 10 surgery trips in 2012. We are now operating, literally, in 3 different locations, and one of the challenges we face is being able to sterilize equipment between cases.

Thanks to the generosity of another group who works in San Raymundo, there is an autoclave which meets the needs of our teams there, where between 40 and 50 surgeries are performed each trip. However, in Chocola and Sarstun, we rely on small, pressure-cooker types of autoclaves, which are difficult to use in a timely fashion.

The best type of autoclave is a portable, durable machine designed by the US military to be used in MASH units, called a “Big Bertha.” They come available at times, and we are looking to purchase two of these units to be used in Chocola and Sarstun. Each will cost between $3500 and $5000. Once purchased, they will be shipped to Guatemala. Please consider making a donation to help purchase this needed equipment!

Donate Today

Please use the form below to make a donation toward the purchase of two "Big Bertha" autoclaves.

We wish to recognize the volunteer in whose honor you are making your donation to Refuge! Please be sure to write the name of the volunteer in the appropriate field below.