Hospitalito Atitlan

Ray Baldelli and his partner, Ron Nichols, were recently invited to the dedication of the Hospitalito Atitlan in Guatemala, which they started supporting in 2004. They were recognized as the first donors who had faith in a second effort for the rebuilding of the hospital. The hospital at Lake Atitlan was destroyed just months after opening in the 2005 mud slides that also claimed the lives of over 2, 000 local villagers.

The director of the hospital said their gift allowed for the purchasing of land in a geologically safe area, giving the fundraising for rebuilding its first tangible base from which to work and also giving hope to those wanting to rebuild a dream – people whose mission was the care of the local indigenous peoples. The three-year fundraising program proceeded with major grants coming from Starbucks, universities (hospitals), and various other donors of all levels. It eventually culminated with a $750,000.00 matching pledge from a donor in Dallas who is referred to as the Angel of the Hospital.

The hospital fills a need for basic and emergency care geared to women and children and fundraising is ongoing. The photos show the hospital with a finished emergency care ward. The second floor offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms are near completion. And an addition for longer patient stays will be started within a year. Fundraising is ongoing.

Says Baldelli, "One nice touch was 'plaques' placed throughout the hospital recognizing donors. Unlike in the USA where plaques are usually constructed of metal, these were hand embroidered using local traditional methods and motifs. Quite wonderful. The day proved to be very festive and exciting for everyone."