As a Phlebotomist and Medical Lab Assistant at Avera McKennan Hospital, I’m used to working behind the scenes—quietly, precisely, and with care. But nothing compares to the experience I had volunteering with IMAHELPS ECUADOR on their April 2025 medical mission to Cayambe.
During our time there, I had the privilege of performing dozens of blood draws for patients—many of whom had never received a proper medical evaluation before. Each patient brought their own story and strength, and I did my best to make them feel safe, seen, and respected during what was, for many, a vulnerable and unfamiliar experience.
What struck me most was how the IMAHELPS ECUADOR team functioned like a family. From the translators to the physicians, from local volunteers to international ones, everyone had one goal: to serve with compassion. It was humbling and empowering to be part of such a focused and caring mission.
My husband Jerry and I chose to spend our vacation time doing this work, and we also support IMAHELPS ECUADOR throughout the year as donors. We believe in their mission deeply—not just because of what they do, but how they do it. The love and dignity they bring to each patient interaction is something truly rare.
I’ve returned to my work at Avera McKennan inspired and hopeful. I’m also doing what I can to encourage more of my colleagues and friends in healthcare to get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.
The people we served in Ecuador touched my heart. And the opportunity to help, even in a small way, is something I will carry with me always.
— Jenalin Reyna, Sioux Falls, SD
As a Senior Logistics Technician at Sanford Health, I’ve spent my career supporting those who care for others. But volunteering with IMAHELPS ECUADOR gave me the chance to step into something truly life-changing—not just for the patients we served, but for me personally.
In April 2025, my wife Jenalin (a Phlebotomist and medical lab assistant at Avera McKennan) and I volunteered together on a medical mission in Cayambe, Ecuador. I had heard stories about how impactful these missions were, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible spirit of teamwork, compassion, and purpose we experienced on the ground. From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by volunteers—doctors, nurses, dentists, translators, and students—all giving their time and hearts to serve people in desperate need of care.
My role was greeting, banding patients, crowd control and preparing patients for intake by helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. It might not sound glamorous, but when you see hundreds of people waiting patiently in line for medical attention they otherwise wouldn’t get, every task feels essential.
What makes IMAHELPS ECUADOR stand out is not only its commitment to sustainable healthcare, but also the kindness and humanity that drive every part of the mission. I saw lives change in real time. I saw children smile with relief. I saw patients cry tears of gratitude. I saw my wife shine in her role. And I saw a team united by purpose.
Beyond volunteering, Jen and I are proud to be financial supporters of IMAHELPS ECUADOR throughout the year. We know firsthand where that support goes: directly into medicine, supplies, and care for those who need it most.
I believe in this organization, and I’m working to inspire others at Sanford Health and across our community to join the cause—whether through service or support. The world needs more organizations like IMAHELPS ECUADOR. And I promise: if you get involved, your heart will never be the same.
— Gerardo Reyna Jr., Sioux Falls, SD
Together, We Made Healing Possible in Cayambe
From April 7th to 10th, 2025, our team at IMAHELPS ECUADOR provided free medical, dental, and pain management care to over 1,200 patients in Cayambe, Ecuador—delivering more than 2,500 treatments in just four days. Every diagnosis, every consultation, every smile was made possible because of you—our generous donors and selfless volunteers.
Our mission was more than numbers. It was a shared act of compassion. We met mothers managing chronic illnesses without resources, children needing preventive dental care, and elders who found relief from pain for the first time in years. We provided critical prescriptions, health education, and most of all—hope.
From doctors and dentists to logistic staff and interpreters, every person gave their time and hearts to serve. This mission was a reminder that when we come together, we create lasting change in the lives of people who need it most.
We thank you for believing in this mission—and invite you to continue walking with us as we prepare for future programs in Ecuador. Every dollar, every share, and every act of kindness brings us one step closer to healing more communities in need.
With deep gratitude,
Tracey D. Allen, The Board of Directors – IMAHELPS ECUADOR
www.imahelpsecuador.org
Volunteering with IMAHELPS ECUADOR has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Every face, every story, every smile shared amidst pain or hope has taught me that the true meaning of life lies in serving with love.
In each volunteer day, I discovered not only the strength of others, but also my own. IMAHELPS not only brings help, it brings humanity. And on that journey of giving, I found myself.
Thank you, IMAHELPS, for inspiring me to be who I am today. For showing me that empathy can move mountains and that giving, from the heart, always returns multiplied. Being part of this team is an honor, and carrying your mission in my soul is a gift I cherish every day.
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Ser voluntaria con IMAHELPS ECUADOR ha sido una de las experiencias más transformadoras de mi vida. Cada rostro, cada historia, cada sonrisa compartida en medio del dolor o la esperanza, me ha enseñado que el verdadero sentido de la vida está en servir con amor.
En cada jornada de voluntariado, descubrí no solo la fuerza de los demás, sino también la mía. IMAHELPS no solo lleva ayuda, lleva humanidad. Y en ese viaje de entrega, me encontré a mí misma.
Gracias, IMAHELPS, por inspirarme a ser quien soy hoy. Por mostrarme que la empatía puede mover montañas y que dar, desde el corazón, siempre regresa multiplicado. Ser parte de este equipo es un honor, y llevar su misión en mi alma es un regalo que atesoro cada día.
Having been able to volunteer in the missions of IMAHelps Ecuador is something that has transformed my life. Seeing love and service to others in action, all given from the bottom of each volunteer’s heart, is something you never forget. IMAHelps Ecuador is different from other organizations. They raise funds from donations from their friends and their own doctors and “knocking on doors" as its founder says. Each doctor and dentist takes time out of their holidays to come help those in need and each volunteer pays for their own ticket, stay, food and even bring their own equipment and supplies. I have never met a group of more generous people and so full of love for their neighbors, for the most needy. They truly touch and transform lives, but I assure you that the people they serve touch and change our lives mightily as well.
Volunteering with IMAHelps in Ecuador was a truly humbling experience. I thought I went to give, but I ended up receiving so much more—kindness, gratitude, and lessons that will stay with me forever.
The beautiful country and its incredible people made me feel at home, and serving alongside such a dedicated team was an honor. I left with a heart full of gratitude and a deep connection to a place I can’t wait to return to.
Desde cuando yo tenía aproximadamente 15 años, tuve la suerte de acompañar a mi mamá a una misión que Inés organizó en Latacunga-Ecuador. Desde entonces, me enamoré del servicio a los más necesitados; tomé la decisión de ser Médico Cirujana, para poder continuar con el servicio. Ahora, me enorgullece ser parte del equipo de IMAHELPS ECUADOR y ver las sonrisas llenas de agradecimiento igual a las que hace 20 años me me condujeron a tomar la mejor elección de mi vida. Gracias Inés, gracias Tracey y gracias a todos quienes hacen posible cada misión. Dr. Maria Jose Schurjin.
Desde cuando yo tenía aproximadamente 15 años, tuve la suerte de acompañar a mi mamá a una misión que Inés organizó en Latacunga-Ecuador. Desde entonces, me enamoré del servicio a los más necesitados; tomé la decisión de ser Médico Cirujana, para poder continuar con el servicio. Ahora, me enorgullece ser parte del equipo de IMAHELPS ECUADOR y ver las sonrisas llenas de agradecimiento igual a las que hace 20 años me me condujeron a tomar la mejor elección de mi vida. Gracias Inés, gracias Tracey y gracias a todos quienes hacen posible cada misión.
Hola soy Katherine, estoy muy agradecida con el grupo IMAHELPS ECUADOR por su gran labor y ayuda con todas las personas beneficiadas con la medicina, cirujías y control médico.
Espero puedan seguir ayudando a más personas con su excelente trabajo.
Soy Danilo y estoy muy agradecido con la atención de la doctora y su equipo .... es interesante como tu vida puede cambiar con una evaluación correcta. Muchos años pasé por muchos doctores sin curar mis enfermedades y cuando llegué por cuestiones del destino mi vida cambió por el tratamiento correcto.
Agradecido eternamente
Traceyal 06/29/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.
Hola soy Evelyn estoy muy agradecida con el servicio del personal de Imahelps Ecuador ya que siempre estan dispuestos a ayudar a los que mas lo necesitan y a sus familiares con una sonrisa en su rostro
Traceyal 06/27/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.
Buenas tardes soy joseht,me siento muy contenta con el servio, y profesionalismo, de imahelps Ecuador ya que son , muy profesionales en cada una de sus especialidades, brindan un excelente servio. me siento muy contenta.
Traceyal 06/27/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.
Buenas tardes, soy Sebastián , estoy muy contento con la atención brindada en Imahelps Ecuador, son unos gran profesionales, todo su equipo de trabajo es muy cordial , y amable me gusta mucho la atención que brinda a todos los pacientes , les recomiendo Imahelps Ecuador
Traceyal 06/27/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.
6 años de tortura y muchas malas noticias resumía mi caso. Un día muy afortunado llegué a este hermoso lugar y me cambiaron la vida. La atención es de primera, la guía, las indicaciones, la investigación y la atención a cada detalle los destaca por completo. Mi experiencia con ellos no alcanza a definirse con 5 estrellas porque me dieron mucho más que lo que logro comentar y calificar.
Traceyal 06/27/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.
My husband and I volunteered for several years on IMAHelps missions to provide healthcare for the poor and under resourced people of Central and South America. Doctors, nurses, dentists, surgeons, techs, and many others give their time each year to these missions, where they work long hours with few amenities. Everyone buys their own plane ticket and pays their way - nobody in this organization takes a dime. All donations go toward equipment and medication for the people of the chosen area. Thousands of local people pour in from surrounding areas to be seen by the IMA medical teams, and are treated with dignity and care during the missions. The medical care provided is important, but the bonus is in building friendship and loyalty across international lines. IMAHelps ECUADOR is truly a wonderful charity, and it deserves your support! Susan St. Louis, Rancho Mirage, CA
Traceyal 07/09/2024
Thank you Susan and Khoi for your confidence and support!
IMA HELPS ECUADOR is dedicated to reach the seldom seen by bringing doctors and nurses and dentists from around the globe to help meet the needs of these beautiful people living in poverty
with no other means, They wait in lines to be helped with hope of healing and care real care!
That is why i support IMAHELPS ECUADOR, I have seen the faces and countenance of these in need of medical attention before and after, God is with them and i am too! Michael Azzarella
Traceyal 07/09/2024
Thank you, Michael, for all of your confidence and support! You have been a blessing for so many!
Traceyal 07/09/2024
Nos sentimos muy felices y honrados de tener pacientes como tu. Gracias por tu confianza, no te defraudaremos.