University Health and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts provide free surgeries to children in need, transforming lives one procedure at a time.
SAN ANTONIO — University Health along with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts are transforming lives one surgery at a time. The two are providing free life-changing surgeries for children and their families who need it most.
University Health Surgeon In Chief For Pediatrics Dr. Ian Mitchell said they have been partners with the nonprofit for about two years.
“Kids that have had things that they couldn’t afford to get fixed, we have been able to take care of,” he said. “It has been really beneficial.”
According to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, their mission is simple, it is to provide life-changing surgeries or medical care to children at no cost.
“Even here in Texas, and certainly nationally, and internationally there is a large population of children for whatever reason, can’t afford surgery or their insurance may not cover it,” Mitchell said.
So far, Mitchell said University Health has performed 15 surgeries.
“Patients that have had cleft lip, cleft palate patients that have needed their skulls reconstructed,” he said. “We have done some interesting things. Our upcoming surgical weekend, we are actually doing a robotic hernia repair from a child in San Antonio. “
Every year, they try to have what they call surgery weekends. Mitchell said they try to do about three a year. He said the doctors and team come in on their weekend to give their time to do the surgery.
“They could be out doing other things, but they are donating their time to be here and taking care of these kids,” he said. “And when you see them afterwards, the smiles on their faces.”
The next surgery weekend is on Saturday, and the next one is not until October. If you would like to apply, click here.