The Hospital on Wheels: A Story of Hope

The story of our work began in 2007 with Dr. Jim Sanchez, a visionary plastic surgeon who was inspired by his mentor, Dr. William Magee, the founder of Operation Smile. Dr. Sanchez recognized the dire need for accessible surgical care in the Philippines, particularly for those suffering from congenital defects like cleft lip. 
Starting with just the back of his van as an operating room, Dr. Sanchez perfected techniques that allowed him to perform surgeries using local anesthesia, making these critical procedures available to even the most impoverished patients. His tireless dedication caught the attention of civic groups, who helped expand his mission by providing more substantial operating spaces, eventually leading to the creation of the Hospital on Wheels. In 2017, inspired by Dr. Sanchez's unwavering commitment, his US-based classmates formed Friends Who Care LLC to support this incredible mission. What began as a modest effort has since grown into a powerful force for good, delivering over 140 surgical missions and transforming countless lives in the process. As we continue to support the Hospital on Wheels, our focus remains on expanding our reach, improving our services, and ensuring that no one is left without the care they desperately need.