I have been volunteering with IMAHelps for 16 years. I'll always remember my first time volunteering on an IMAHelps mission to Latacunga, Ecuador in 2008. I was assigned to work as a Spanish language interpreter and kept busy interpreting for surgeons, ICU nurses and a prosthetist who fitted patients with artificial legs, literally giving them the ability to get up out of their wheelchairs and walk again. I had never seen so many miracles or shed so many tears. These weren't tears of sadness, mind you, but tears of joy. Our volunteer surgeons performed cleft lip surgeries for young boys and girls, quite literally changing their lives. They also performed skin graft surgeries for children who had suffered horrible burns as a result of everything from cooking accidents to fireworks explosions. I also had an opportunity to interpret for amputees who were overjoyed at being fitted with leg prosthetics that would enable them to walk again, to work again and to regain a sense of independence and dignity.
Soon after volunteering on my first IMAHelps mission, IMAHelps co-founded Ines Allen asked me if I would be willing to serve on the IMAHelps board. Of course, I readily volunteered, and have been doing it ever since because I love what IMAHelps does. Our group of volunteers has grown from about 60 in 2008 to over 130 volunteers today. Most of our volunteers join us on every mission, so we have become like a family, rendezvousing in different countries each year to provide healthcare and hope to men, women and children who would not otherwise be able to obtain surgeries, dental care, prosthetics or other healthcare services.
Since I am a former newspaper reporter and continue to work as a professional writer, I have been in a unique position to interview IMAHelps patients and volunteers over the years and have been able to witness not only how IMAHelps volunteers have changed the lives of the poor, but how volunteering on IMAHelps missions has also changed the lives of our volunteers and of our volunteers' college-age children,
several of whom have joined us on missions over the years.
I documented many of these interviews in a book called "A Vision of Hope: The First 20 Years of IMAHelps," which I wrote as a volunteer effort in 2020. Several of my clients underwrote the cost of printing the book, which is available through the cart section of IMAHelps.org. By 2020, IMAHelps volunteers had provided free healthcare services to over 100,000 patients in nine countries, including over 2,500 life-changing surgeries.
By 2020, I thought I had seen everything there was to see on an IMAHelps mission. I was wrong. The miracles our team continues to perform keep getting better because of our ever-expanding network of volunteers, each of whom provides our team with unique skill sets.
For the past two years, IMAHelps has been working collaboratively with an inner city high school robotics team from the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. These students have been designing and manufacturing mechanical arms and hands for over a dozen child amputees in Ecuador as well as a couple of adults.
Two of these students joined us on our mission to Quito last August along with their mentors, one of whom is a retired educator from NASA.
While the students’ focus was to provide mechanical arms and hands for child amputees, which they design and manufacture using 3d printers, their patients also included a couple of adults. One of these adults is a 27-year-old quadruple amputee named Jefferson Aguirre. His arms and legs were amputated after he was electrocuted while cutting pipe last February.
Our prosthetist, Robert Openshaw, immediately got to work making Jefferson prosthetic legs, which he tried on after a couple of days. Our physical therapist, Gloria Soto-Reyes, then worked with Jefferson each day, teaching him how to walk, and after a few days, Jefferson was able to walk out of the hospital on his own, with our volunteers and hospital staff members cheering him on. "You have given me a reason to live,” Jefferson told us with a big smile and through tears. There wasn’t a dry eye among us.
Here is a link to a video clip of Jefferson walking out of the hospital on his new legs:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gYCQT185k_0
The story gets even better. The Cleveland robotics team took Jefferson’s measurements and told him they would design new arms and hands for him, which Gloria and I will personally provide to Jefferson on a special return trip to Quito in January 2024. The robotics students also took measurements for a dozen additional child amputees, whose prosthetics Gloria and I will also deliver to them in January!
Members of the Cleveland robotics team will also join IMAHelps on a medical humanitarian mission to the Dominican Republic next summer, where we plan to provide life-changing prosthetics for child amputees in Santo Domingo.
This is why I do this work, year after year. There is nothing I have ever done that makes me feel like I do when I am volunteering with IMAHelps volunteers.
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I continue to be amazed by IMAHelps. Today is June 2, 2019 and I just returned home from UC Irvine Medical Center, where UCI staff surgeons who volunteer with IMAHelps on medical missions in Latin America just performed a free surgery for 27-year-old Enrique Galvan of Luque, Paraguay. Galvan suffers from neurofibromatosis, otherwise known as Elephant Man's disease. IMAHelps volunteers met him during a medical humanitarian mission to Luque, Paraguay in 2018. IMAHelps volunteers subsequently partnered with UCI Medical Center in providing Galvan's surgery for free, removing very large tissue growths from Galvan's back, chest and shoulder. IMAHelps volunteers continually go out of their way to provide people of limited means with healthcare and surgical services. They usually do this during their medical missions overseas, but sometimes they find it necessary to perform surgeries here in the United States. I have volunteered with IMAHelps for 12 of its 19 years of existence. During that time, IMAHelps volunteers have treated more than 100,000 patients and performed well over 2,500 life-changing surgeries with Mr. Galvan's case being the latest dramatic example.
Until now, it has been difficult to fully explain the feeling of being constantly drawn to this organization, to these missions, to these people. IMAHelps is comprised of individuals from across the globe who come together with the sole purpose of making a difference and providing care to those who need it the most. It is through working with this group—a group that makes a family out of strangers—that it feels like my life has truly become worth something. IMAHelps has helped me find my purpose. It has brought life back into my practice. It has helped me fall back in love with medicine.
I have never been involved with an organization that is more dedicated and selfless. It is heartwarming and humbling to take care of so many people who often wait hours and hours. Often times there is little you can do and they are still so appreciative. I feel very fortunate to have volunteered with this organization that will continue to be involved in the future.
There are never enough words to describe the experience of traveling with 100+ selfless, generous, intelligent and hard working people who come together to serve those who may otherwise go without necessary medical treatment. Ines you have touched so many lives in the last 2 decades...thank you for continuing to allow me to be a part of this amazing team and effort.
*Also many thanks for the generous donations that allowed me to distract babies for exams/treatment and send each child home with a toy and a new toothbrush!
To all the wonderful people who were part of this medical Mission we thank you so much and the people of Nicaragua in Matagalpa thank you deeply for your hard work, love, passion and dedication to help the most needed.
Cristina Joy Carreon ...feeling grateful at Hospital General de Luque, Paraguay ·
“ I don’t speak of the gift because not for everything that’s given to you can you really be grateful. You can’t be grateful for war in a given situation or violence or domestic violence or sickness and things like that. There are many things for which you cannot be grateful but in every moment you can be grateful. For instance the opportunity to learn something from a very difficult experience and to grow by it or even to protest, to stand up and take a stand. That is a wonderful gift in a situation in which things are not the way they ought to be. So opportunity is really the key. When people ask, “Can you be grateful for everything?”. No, not for everything but in every moment.”
~ Br. David Stendl Rast, The Anatomy of Gratitude
IMAHelps les agradesco todas las obras q an Realizado zavemos q todo es con la ayuda de Dios y esperamos q El cea siempre ayudandoles. A triunfar cada dia mas. Elias Martinez.
Excelente la atención de la organización, el cariño y la paciencia con que atienden a los pacientes siempre con una sonrisa dando esperanzas...quede muy contenta y ojala regresen pronto, les vamos a extrañar��� DIOS se lo pague!!
IMA Helps saved the life of my best friend. My best friend, Carmen, lives in Paraguay and has breast cancer. She didn’t have any money to undergo cancer treatments, but IMAHelps took care of everything. The doctors took care of her, made her feel safe, went out of their way to get her to her treatments, and explained to her everything in great detail. IMAHelps gave her free injectables, appointments, and everything she could need. I had no idea just how much they did for her until recently, when I went back down to Paraguay. IMAHelps - you saved the life of my best friend. I’m infinitely grateful. I cannot thank IMAHelps enough. All I can say is, thank you for what you do
IMAHELPS. Is an organization non profit that has extended their volunteer operations not only local but internationally. Providing the best medical, dental,orthopedic ,family medicine ,emergency medicine, cardiology, surgical procedures, Physical therapy and prosthetic care with devices who are in most need. Pediatric Care ,Just to mention few of the wonderful care their team of volunteers gives. When you become a volunteer with this organization it opens your mind heart and spirit. It makes us human much more connected and realize how much we can help and also help ourselves by being grateful and so true we come into this world many of us with two hands, one to help ourselves and the other to help others.
Imahelps changed my life from the moment they gave me the opportunity to serve as I could to the people who needed the most. I feel blessed to be part of this organization and reach so many people im need, so many good professionals, so many wonderful human beings. I not only feel that I am helping but I have been helped and transformed with so many sad stories that became beautiful miracles!!
I had a wonderful, eye-opening experience with IMA Helps. The Paraguay 2019 mission left me with memories I will always hold close to my heart. I met amazing people both participating and receiving care that have become good friends. I hope to continue participating in IMA missions. Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer!
Gracias por venir a Paraguay y dar vida a muchos compatriotas muy agradecida a la fundacion! GJ Rosemarie
I appreciate all the good work that IMAHelps performs every year. Caring, giving and compassionate people! Great group!
Excelente la atención de la organización, el cariño y la paciencia con que atienden a los pacientes siempre con una sonrisa dando esperanzas...quede muy contenta y ojala regresen pronto, les vamos a extrañar. DIOS se lo pague!! Maria Victoria Ruiz Diaz
IMAHelps les agradesco todas las obras q an Realizado zavemos q todo es con la ayuda de Dios y esperamos q El cea siempre ayudandoles. A triunfar cada dia mas. At:Elias Martinez.
IMAHelps serves those in low income areas of South America and Central America. They work selflessly. No one is paid. Tremendous love from these teams! Thank you IMAHelps for all you do for others!!
Great organization! I wonderful way to give back. I would encourage everyone to "lean in" and help those that can't help themselves. I choose to volunteer and donate to IMAHelps because I see firsthand the miracles they do!
IMAHelps gives me the opportunity to reach outside of myself in ways I never dreamed possible. IMAHelps volunteers are compassionate, and selfless in their application of aid. Truly inspiring to be involved with caring professionals such as this!!
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Excelente la atenci\u00F3n de la organizaci\u00F3n, el cari\u00F1o y la paciencia con que atienden a los pacientes siempre con una sonrisa dando esperanzas...quede muy contenta y ojala regresen pronto, les vamos a extra\u00F1ar\uFFFD\uFFFD\uFFFD DIOS se lo pague!! Maria Victoria Ruiz Diaz
While trying to write this review, I find myself unable to put my experience in words. My trip to Paraguay was amazing and eye-opening. I felt like I contributed so much with the help of the team and really made a difference. The group of people that I went with were absolutely exceptional. We were truly selfless during our trip, working endlessly to provide as much help to the community as possible. IMAHelps has truly made an impact on my life that will follow me through my journey into the medical field.
From the moment we are born we need help to take the first step, until we walk, it becomes insignificant. For some the possibility of standing is a new beginning. Pediatric patient with bilateral foot, physical limitation that deprived him of a normal childhood. When generosity transcends borders, we managed to change lives, and today we walk differently. IMAhelps, National Hospital of Itaugua - 07/2017 - Paloma Segovia, Paraguay
I have been a part of IMAHelps since it's conception in 2000. IMAHelps is an incredible organization. After seeing the faces of true poverty first hand, I immediately felt humbled. The realization that I, Donovan Allen, have been granted such a privilege to work with this amazing group of humanitarians and professionals from all walks of life to join in a common goal, to make a difference in someone's life for the better is beyond words. IMAHelps really is altruism in its purest form. - Donovan Allen, volunteer
IMAHelps does amazing things for those in need! Ines, Tracey, and everyone involved plus all the volunteers give so much for those in need and make such an incredible impact. A wonderful organization! -Annika Larsson
I went with IMA Helps to Matagalpa, Nicaragua in July, 2016. It was the most rewarding
adventure I have ever experienced. The dedication of each and every one of our group of 98 people, Doctors, Dentist, Nurses, Therapists and Volunteers was overwhelming.
The dedication of each and everyone of this outstanding group made this "pure pleasure".
We worked from 7:30 to 5:30 non stop and provided very much needed medical care. The
satisfaction was the smiles of the people who traveled for hours, one person traveled 24 hours, to see us. We attended about 5.000 people in 6 days and performed miracles. I know I will do this again. 2017 will be South America.
IMAHelps medical mission 2016. Other than helping thousands of indigent people receive quality healthcare, it is also a chance for me to make new friends and rekindle relationships year after year. It's truly a great family. #blessed #IMAhelps
Sunaina Sehwani , MD
I will miss the "All Day, Everyday" method of operation!
I am am proud to be with these outstanding IMAhelps volunteers and part of this Amazing organization. I will keep you all in my heart ! Until next mission !
Thank you IMAHelps for letting me be part of the team!
Dr. Francisco Manuel Flores Otero- Matagalpa, Nicaragua Mission 2016
I have been volunteering with IMAHelps for nine years and serve on the board of directors. I have to tell you that volunteering with IMAHelps has been the most personally rewarding experience I have had in my adult life. I say this because we always change lives on every mission and bring healthcare, life changing surgeries and hope to those who live in very difficult circumstances. IMAHelps is an organization with an incredible heart and each year we get better at organizing medical and dental missions that are among the largest in Central and South America. The IMAHelps volunteers are some of the best people I've ever met. Everyone on our team focuses on helping the poorest of the poor. IMAHelps works with the ministries of health in different countries to identify the regions with the greatest healthcare needs. I can't wait for our next mission.
This was my first mission. I have never felt more needed than when I went to Matagalpa, Nicaragua in 2016. Everyone was so kind. I enjoyed helping all the people who needed help. You never know how much you are truly blessed until you see someone who has less than you. We should always want to help others in need. I hope that IMA continue to help those who needs help, and I want to be a part of it. It was a great experience for me. I enjoyed it and the people I worked with, and the people I took part in helping. Thanks for letting me experience to help someone other than myself. It's a great experience. Hope to help out again next year. Janice Body
What an amazing opportunity it was to be able to join this God send organization called IMAhelps. As a first time volunteer, I felt so very fortunate to be a part of unbelievable most talented professionals who each gave their time , money effort so selflessly so that the people in Matagalpa, Nicaragua can receive top notch medical care.
I would like to mention and give a shout out to the Plastic Surgeons, Vascular orthopedic surgeons, Cardiologist, OB/Gyn, internest, pediatrician, NP's, Dentist , dental hygienist , Nurses, Techs, pharmacist, Physical Therapist , prosthetics and all others who with their God given talent made the mission possible. Last but not least, I want to thank the two most important ladies Ines and Gillian who Lead this organization to be one of the best medical mission I have ever known.
Thank you everyone!
This year I had the opportunity to volunteer in IMAHelps mission in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. I could not have ever imagined what I saw and experienced through it all. Nicaragua itself is a beautiful country filled with a rich culture that can impact a person in different ways. Experiencing Nicaragua while participating in this mission has impacted my life and view of the world in a positive manner. Through my volunteer work I was able to see the need for medical necessity the people of this area need. Most of my volunteer work took place in the IMAHelps pharmacy, but I was also designated to draw blood and collect other bodily specimens from our patients. The people I encountered while volunteering were extremely appreciative of the medical help IMAHelps brought to them. IMAHelps provides dental and various medical assistance, which include internal medicine, gynecology, pediatric, physical therapy, prosthetics, cardiac, and surgical aid. The different ways in which IMAHelps changes the lives of the people it helps and has helped is incredible. IMAHelps is an amazing non-profit organization that has helped and will be helping thousands of lives in Central and South America. Amazing work IMAHelps!
An amazing organization that focuses on providing compassionate quality medical care , dental services and physical therapy among some . The organization allows each volunteer to serve to others and providing assistance to the best of their abilities while maintaining the highest standards! The care focuses on those communities that need the most while prioritizing the frail elderly , children and person with physical and metal disadvantages! The circle of agape love is created so greatly that each person that experiences being part of IMAhelps want to tell the world about it and recreate those experiences that truly can help our brothers and sisters of the world !
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Being part of this amazing organization it has been one of the best things that I have ever done . Aside from very well organized , it's full of great energy all focusing on humanitarian work. It was my first time being part of this mission and I hope it won't me my last one , you work, you touch people but most important they touch you , at the heart , compassion , humility , caring , kindness and all the things that are virtues of the human spirit . Seeing everyone come toguether for one reason " to help" to give , I feel that it's the ultimate purpose of our existence. To help others because we are also helping ourselfves.
The people of El Salvador are kind, humble , giving and thankful th
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
~Winston Churchill
Thank you IMAHelps. Thank you.
Mike Reyes-"I enjoy working, watching and being around all these wonderful people. All the wonderful work these group of doctors, surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacies and volunteers do, i give credit to the president/co founder and the coordinator for bringing all of mission together. I am happy to be a part of this organization".
Mike Reyes -It has been an honor to be a part of a great organization with dedicated group of volunteers. It was only my second year but in the time I've spent with these wonderful people I've gained a new family. I asked everyone to support our efforts so the organization and these dedicated people can continue to help others.
Sharon Warner- It is a very humbling experience to serve as a Volunteer for 8yrs. With IMA. Please everyone support our efforts to donate for our Missions.
I have had the pleasure of joining this group for the past 2 years. It is amazing the broad array of medical, dental, and surgical expertise they bring with their love, compassion, and dedication to those in need. This mission has become a family, my family, not only do they touch the lives of those they help, they inspire.
I've been on 3 missions now, and it's the best experience of my life. Helping people, giving them hope, and being able to make a difference. That's what IMAHelps is about.
Our group has become like a family. These amazing people work hard to give back to the world, and the community:
IMA is a wonderful organization that helps others in need. My husband and i have volunteered for four of their missions and have felt very blessed to give to the people and this organization.
I have been a part of this group for several years and I can't express how life-changing every trip has been for me. We as a group all love touching peoples lives and having an impact on the world in our own way. There is an unbelievable amount of good that comes out of every trip and it truly changes lives.
Great group of selfless people. It's one of the best experiences of my life and I hope to be part of the IMA family forever!
I am truly impressed by the conviction of these amazing people to help others.
I have had the privilege of watching them work so hard. These are a group of amazing
human beings who do an enormous amount of good, all with a beautiful smile.
Grateful to know you all.....
Belinda Correa
President of the Nicaraguan Business Association
I've had the privilege of going on seven medical mission with IMAHelps. It gets better and better each year! I've heard hundreds of heartbreaking stories from patients but it only takes one story to touch your heart and keeps you going back year after year. It great to see a diverse group of people come together to help the less fortunate. IMAHelps is one of the best things I've done in my life, it has forever changed me.
I am a volunteer IMAHELPS for many years. What attracted me to this organization are the volunteers, through their compassion and dedication had change many lives. The coordinator of the missions is Ines Allen that does all the foot work and makes sure we are all safe. She caring and dedicated to changing lives for the underserve people of the world. All the volunteers do amazing work year after year! I feel very honor to be part of the IMAHEPS’ Family and recommend anyone that wants to donate the time or money to do it. It will change your life!!!
A. Wood
I volunteered as a pharmacist on 2 missions. Truly a labor of love. And the camaraderie is unmatched. Any donations of goods and monies are used to serve the needs of the patients.
I have been volunteering on medical humanitarian missions with IMAHelps since 2008 and have found it to be the most personally rewarding thing I've ever done. IMAHelps volunteers are the best people I have ever worked with. They focus on providing life-changing surgeries as well as medical, dental and prosthetic services to some the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. My own life has changed as a result of my volunteer work with IMAHelps. I give IMAHelps and its volunteers my highest endorsement.
I joined the IMA team in 2012 when we went to Jinotega, Nicaragua. I have since been on two additional medical missions with the organization (to Peru and El Salvador). I have seen the lives that have been saved, restored, and renewed thanks to the selfless, hard work and dedication from all of the IMA team. Being part of this amazing organization has not only allowed me to help others, but it has profoundly changed me forever. This is by far the most dedicated nonprofits that I have ever had the pleasure of being part of.
I Volunteer for IMA Helps since 2010 as part of the ¨A¨ (ANESTHESIA)Team,there are so many words,sentences,to describe the amazing cause that this Organization does for the needed in each Country visited,each and every member is caring,honest and committed to accomplish the Objective of the Mission which is help the underserved and once accomplished,the feelings of Heart Filling with Joy to see those people recovery,smiling and thankful for that helping hand,just make you want to continue being part of IMAHelps for ever
A year ago August of 2013 I had the pleasure to travel to Peru with this magnificent organization. I traveled with them as a surgical recovery nurse, and I found them professional in every way. The many challenges that were faced were dealt with so well. (We were not able to set up at the local hospital as promised) They set up the clinic in the town square and found a small surgery center for the surgeries nearby. Everyone pitched in, it was amazing to see the number of people that came to us for that week. The streets surrounding the square were blocked off and chairs put in place for those hundreds that waited to be seen. The line circled the block several people wide.
There is not a penny wasted when donating to this group, all volunteers payed their own way and accommodations were very modest. The funds are going to the cause with medical equipment and medicines.
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This was my first year going with IMA Helps. Ines Allen ( the founder and director) has a wonderful passion and energy that is boundless, to bring help to the people who need it. Every penny given to this organization is utilized for the people. What a strong, dedicated and caring group of Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists, and supporting personnel. I felt so privileged to be among them. They came from all across the country for this trip to Peru. This trip had so many challenges and I never saw their faith falter in their mission. With tremendous tenacity and flexibility they prevailed. So much is due to Ines and her leadership, but also the quick thinking and dedication of the staff to pull together to get the job done. They saw over 4000 patients in just a week.
Even more amazing to me was that just a few weeks after coming home Ines is now in China with another similar mission. She continues to bring together crews of medical professionals for more medical missions. She is bringing medical attention and surgery to foreign and domestic people who cannot afford the care they need.
They are always in need of support, funds and volunteers.
I visited Peru with IMAHelps in the summer of 2013 as a videographer and it truly was a life-changing experience. Everyone on the trip was friendly and despite not knowing many people prior to the trip I immediately felt like I was part of the group. All the volunteers were extremely dedicated to their work and it was clear the organisers were very passionate about the cause. I feel honoured to have been allowed to come on the trip and to have played a very small part in the important work of this group.
El Salvador was my first trip and I'd like to say that It was an honor to be part of such a positive and emotionally overwhelming experience. IMAHelps has done an amazing job of bringing together a group of individuals that have a true passion for what they do. Ines and Gillian I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of an organization that changes lives and creates miracles everywhere it goes.
This was my first year as a volunteer physician. I was amazed at the dedication and love shown by all members of IMA helps. We brought so much to the people of El Salvador and they gave so much back to us. It's a very well-run organization that is dedicated to helping the poor of Latin America.
I 've been a IMAHelp volunteer for more then a year and I had the oportunity of give something back from what i got and I felt bleesed to be part of the mission and to get to know people like Ines and all the volunteer team, and my family and I will keep be part of the IMAHelp and excited to join the mission for next year.
IMAHelps is about bringing love and hard work to provide medical assistance in developing countries resulting in lives changing.
I'm happy to help this oranization every year. They really do some amazing things for those who don't have access to medical help. The medical volonteers use their own time off work and their own money to help others for one week of the year. Amazing group.
IMAHelps is a wonderful organization that helps so many people in need of medical care which they might not otherwise have access to.
My first medical mission trip was this past summer in Huacho, Peru. IMAHelps needed a pharmacist and my passions to serve the community and travel was combined when I agreed to join. The team`s organization and dedication was phenomenal -- our goal was to help as many people to the best of our abilities and we far exceeded that. I am truly amazed at every individual on the team. I have gained so much professional experience and cherish-able memories during our 10-day trip. I plan to continue my involvement with IMAHelps and all the positive outreaches they strive for. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to help those in need and be part of the IMAHelps family !
I have been going with IMA then IMAHelps off and on since 2001. I have never met a person so devoted to the service of her fellow men and women as Ines Allen. She pours her heart and soul into each and every trip, and never stops planning for the next event. When the missions are done, her only concern is for the people we couldn't get to, and how to do more the next time. The people she has attracted to help her in her missions are enthusiastic, focused and work together as a team in far better fashion than you would ever think strangers could ever do. Ines and IMAHelps can make a dollar go farther than any other charitable organization I contribute to or work with.
I volunteered with IMAHelps for the first time this summer, when we went to Huacho, Peru, to provide health care to the people of that region. Though my Spanish is certainly not fluent, I was part of the triage team, and I had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of Peruvians as we took their vital signs. I was struck by the warmth and gratitude of the people we saw. Even after waiting in line all night outside in the cold in order to make sure that they would be seen, they were so grateful! There were so many conditions that in the US we would expect to be corrected right away, and many of the poor people of this region had been living with them for years, with no relief in sight. IMA's dedicated group of surgeons, specialists, internists, nurses and techs did so much good in such a short time, treating illness, correcting deformities and helping to establish better hygiene and public health. It was a joy and a privilege to be a part of the group, and to see the number of people IMA was able to help in this mission. Every member of IMA gives up their own vacation and pays their own expenses to do this work, and people don't do that unless they really believe in an organization. Ines Allen has established a nonprofit with a truly admirable model - every volunteer works, every volunteer pays their own way, and every penny goes to patient care.
I was contacted by Ines Allen in 2002 regarding her organization's desire to provide medical services in my home country of Ecuador. I was very excited to help, and I agreed to assist as much as possible with making contacts in Ecuador as well as assisting with the travel plans via my travel agency. I know how difficult it can be to deal with foreign governments, and Ecuador is no different. It took a lot of hard work from Ines and IMA, but she was able to overcome the obstacles that were presented, and everyone who volunteered was able to provide the much needed advance medical services. Moreover, IMA was able to visit and continue to serve Ecuador over the next several years. I am very proud to have helped Ines and IMA with this endeavor, and I know that they are continuing to do great work in other countries in Latin America and the world. Best wishes always, Carlos
Our family has supported (as both volunteers and financial donors) IMA for a number of years and have strong, first hand visibility into the services they provide as well as how resources are allocated. On the service side, the quality of care provided, by some of the world's best clinicians, is unparalleled. As importantly, the organization is incredibly efficient with nearly 100% of all funds raised passing through to the direct benefit of those in deepest need. The organization's selfless leadership - from CEO, Board of Directors, the head of operations and the myriad of physicians, nursing staff, allied health professionals, O&P experts, all work without salary and donate hundreds of hours each, year after year. For many, if not most, the mission field work represents not only a donation of their valuable time, but of their entire yearly vacation allowance. We support a myriad of projects around the world -- none have impressed us as much as IMA.
We interviewed Ines Allen for our International and National Award winning public television series, "The Leading Gen - What will you do with the rest of your life?". In order to qualify to be interviewed, each individual is very carefully screened. Ines and her efforts for IMAhelps exemplify one of our qualifications - people helping people. It is rare to find anyone as dedicated or diligent about their charitable cause. Your rating categories although excellent, underestimate her contributions.
Carolyn R. Ausman, BSS and James I. Ausman, MD,Phd
IMA helps is an absolutely amazing organization full of wonderful people willing to make the world a better place. They are not only incredible people but also the best professionals I have known. My first time with IMA helps was 2013 summer. I went to Peru as a translator and learned more than I could have possibly imagined. The doctors were very professional and did everything they could to help the peruvian people, always with a smile in their face. I would definitely recommend this organization to anyone who asked me and would be tremendously glad if, as a person from another country, they were to go to it.
IMA is a wonderful organization that truly changes peoples lives for the better. Everyone involved worked hard both physically and emotionally to help others in need. It was touching to see people from all over the world come together for such a great cause. Our working conditions were not what we are accustomed to, but each crises brought is closer and made us work harder for the good of the people. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to serve with IMA.
I have volunteered as an anesthesiologist for missions in both Nicaragua and Peru. Despite extreme conditions, the team has an 'MD" attitude....Make Do! ...and are some of the Best volunteers to work with on a daily basis. We were able to run safe, efficient operating rooms for a wide variety of surgeries. It is invaluable to have a logistics coordinator for such a large group. Few people realize the volume and intensity of preparation that goes into each mission. Blessings, Ines and IMAH!
I have volunteered with IMA helps for 5 years. I have been to Ecuador once, Nicaragua three times and Peru once. What I find wonderful about IMA is that it is a grassroots organization made up of people who care enough about health and wellness to take time off from work and spend their own hard earned time, money, and energy for the cause. IMA feels like a safe place for all types of people including families and helps to nurture the spirit of altruism in the youth that accompany us. My brother and I began coming because our granny was involved for many years before us and we were welcomed with open arms. The members of IMA are very hard working, but can always take the time at the end of the night to have a laugh. They are warm and they have love in their hearts for the people they help. I enjoy my time with IMA as I get to help people who are in need of someone to listen, educate, support, and help with medical issues. I enjoy being an interpreter because I get to communicate with the patients directly. I also do education and enjoy leaving the people with more knowledge about health than when they came.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer for four years and have been to three missions in Nicaragua and one in Peru. It is truly a life changing experience, every year I look forward to reuniting with past volunteers and new ones and changing and impacting the lives of our fellow man. Every penny raised by the organization (IMAHelps) is funneled back to the providing of medical care. I encourage all to give to this worthwhile cause and volunteer if possible.
I have been volunteering with this group for 5 years. The fact that every penny donated to IMAhelps goes directly back to the patients we see is remarkable. These are not frou frou missions...the 2 weeks are packed with hard work, physically and mentally. Things don't always go as planned, and the quick out of the box thinking by all the volunteers make the missions run smoothly. Ines Allen, founder of IMAhelps, has such a deep passion for helping others. She tirelessly works through out the year to get these missions coordinated and organized. It is an honor to work along side the medical personnel and support staff who volunteer on these trips. IMAhelps has no religious or political affiliation...no celebrity involvement...just a group of regular people helping other regular people who are in need. It's a pretty simple concept.
I'm glad to have found my IMAHelps family, and I look forward to every mission since joining in 2011. One reason i joined was because it has no alternate motives/affiliations such as politics or religion. Yet, what keeps me returning is the founder Ines's insurmountable and intoxicating passion for her non-profit.
Some people that are previous patients of IMAHelps, have travelled far to see us the following year when we return just to show us how well they have done. Knowing that our volunteering has helped many become a part of society-not a burden, be confident smiling in public-not cover their faces, be able to eat, walk, talk and have access to medicine, therapy, and medical advice/education otherwise not obtainable, is why I work the other 11 months out of the year. This is my soul filling adventure!
I have been volunteering for IMA-HELPS for four and half years and has been a
life changing experience.
I have traveled to 4 different countries.
To help make these peoples lives better is amazing.
Ines Allen founder and CEO of IMA_HELPS passion to help ours is inmeasurable.
I have worked with IMAHelps since 2010. The founder Ines has a tremendous amount of passion for hernon-profit mission work and has created a supportive, caring culture of volunteers that are committed to her vision. Each year I enthusiastically look forward to working with the wonderful IMAHelps family and seeing first hand the impact it makes on the lives of the people they help.
I have been involved with the IMA since 2000. In addition to providing medical services to people of impoverished countries, the International Medical Alliance is a 501 (c) (3)nonprofit organization that helps needy children and their families in the United States, South America, Central America and overseas.