Team Thankful 2025

Our hearts are full after an incredible week with Team Thankful, marking another beautiful chapter in our ongoing mission to bring healing and hope to Guatemala. Expanding our surgical efforts to include a second team this year reflects our steadfast commitment to the Impacting Health pillar and the communities we proudly serve.

The group was divided between two regions of Guatemala, each with a distinct but equally impactful mission. In Retalhuleu, our hospital and clinical team - sponsored by Sanford Health - carried out 73 life-changing surgeries and offered 162 medical consultations, providing essential care to patients who would otherwise have no access to it. We’re deeply grateful to Sanford Health for making this possible, and to the incredible team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers from both the U.S. and Guatemala. This medical team included not only Sanford Health professionals, but also dedicated Guatemalan surgeons and health workers who generously offered their time, skill, and compassion.

Meanwhile, in Tecpán, our community team worked house by house, installing 59 stoves and water filters, bringing warmth, safety, and clean water to families. These simple but powerful tools are helping prevent illness and reduce smoke inhalation—creating a healthier future for generations to come.



This week also marked an exciting step forward for our Impacting Health Pillar: with Team Thankful, we are now expanding to host two surgical volunteer teams per year, doubling our ability to provide critical care and transform lives through local and international collaboration. 

From surgery rooms to rural kitchens, Team Thankful’s impact was felt across every corner we touched. Thank you to everyone—sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who made this week possible. Your generosity and heart made hope tangible.