Allyson Sturgeon goes on Medical Mission in Costa Rica

Allyson Sturgeon, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland, just returned from a medical mission trip to Costa Rica that tended to more than 120 patients in the communities of Alajuela and San Jose. Responding to Sturgeon's appeal, the parish provided donations of hygiene items and children’s coloring books, crayons, etc.

Sturgeon is a fourth year undergraduate student at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi where she is pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences. She hopes to become a surgical physician's assistant.

The medical team that she was working with consisted of 16 volunteers from different parts of the United States. She earned a spot on this mission trip through a scholarship that was presented by the Rotary Club of District 5930. The mission ran from May 28-June 10.

"I would like to thank all of those who helped to contribute the donations that were collected for the families in Costa Rica. The joy that those donations brought these families was overwhelming and touching," Sturgeon said in a letter to the parish community. "There was not one patient that did not have a huge smile on their face when they received proper medical care and the donations that this church provided. I am extremely thankful for all the support that had been given by this wonderful community. Your donations brought the Lord’s light into many hearts."

Pastor Msgr. Mark Chamberlain said the parish was "very proud of Allyson and so many of our young people in this parish who show a genuine spirit of caring for others and helping to spread God’s love by their generous service and involvement in the parish."

"Much credit goes to the spirit and example of adult leaders of our faith formation programs for young people, and the parents who support their efforts," Msgr. Chamberlain said.

Photos contributed by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish