October Newsletter
ReSurge International
Transforming lives in low-income countries by providing free, safe reconstructive surgical care to the underserved.
Throughout this busy month of October, ReSurge expanded its reach and visibility in service to our “10X” vision to expand access to reconstructive surgical care in low-income countries around the world. In addition, this month’s global focus on breast cancer awareness and mental health provided all of us with a powerful reminder of the deep interconnection between physical healing and emotional well-being.
ReSurge’s work to pioneer equitable access to cancer-related breast reconstruction in low-resource settings was featured in Devex, a world-renowned international development platform. ReSurge participated in the New York Plastic Surgical Group’s Breast Cancer Summit, and we hosted ReSurge’s first-ever webinar addressing the mental health needs of medical practitioners–especially those in low-resource settings. On the broader global leadership front, ReSurge President & CEO Claire Lachance represented ReSurge at the International Leadership Association’s Global Conference in Prague.
We thank you, our community of ReSurge supporters, for empowering us to lead and serve in issue areas that disproportionately impact the most under-resourced and underserved populations around the world.
The ReSurge Team
ReSurge in the Media: Pioneering Access to Breast Reconstruction in Low-Income Countries
We published an important op-ed in Devex, spotlighting why breast reconstruction is so difficult to access in low-income countries and why it’s ultimately a matter of dignity and equity. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the U.S., the five-year survival rate is 91%, thanks to early detection and comprehensive treatment. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, the survival rate drops to just 40%. In the article, ReSurge partner surgeons and Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Hellina Legesse and Dr. Hanna Atlabachew from Ethiopia, along with ReSurge staff members Natalie Meyers and Anna Santos, share how training local surgeons, addressing stigma, and investing in infrastructure can make equitable cancer care a reality.
Surgical Training Trip in Bolivia
This month, we had a surgical training trip in Bolivia that encompassed hand surgery, anesthesia, and occupational therapy. ReSurge Medical Volunteers from the U.S. collaborated locally with ReSurge surgical partners in Bolivia. We were thrilled to have Physicians for Peace partner, occupational therapist Rosario Reto from Peru, join the team to both learn from colleagues and present her expertise. Surgeons in Sucre, Bolivia, also hosted ReSurge surgical partners from La Paz, Bolivia, to train, collaborate, and learn from one another across regions. As a result, the surgical training trip boasted a dynamic and holistic team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, as well as physical and occupational therapists. It consisted of hands-on training, lectures, and, of course, comprehensive patient care. Support access to reconstructive surgical care in Bolivia and around the world by donating today.
Reconstructing Hope: Surviving Breast Cancer
This month, we highlighted ReSurge patient, breast cancer survivor, and community leader Son Hoang. In 2014, Son was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined as ever, she resolved to stand tall in the face of adversity. However, the aftermath of a double mastectomy saw her grappling with a different battle – one of depression and dwindling self-confidence, as she tried to reconcile with a body that felt unfamiliar. Thanks to ReSurge, she became the patient of ReSurge Partner Dr. Trung Hau, enabling her to access a breast cancer reconstruction that would not just change her life but would also inspire hundreds of other breast cancer survivors around her. Son became a leader for the Pink Bows, a group of over 100 breast cancer survivors who meet regularly to discuss, motivate, and support one another. But their vision is even greater. They want to ensure more women know about reconstructive surgery so that they, too, can benefit from the life-changing procedure.
The Connection Cure: Restoring Joy and Agency in Medicine
Physicians have among the highest levels of burnout, with 78% of providers reporting symptoms of burnout and 1 in 4 doctors even considering suicide. Taking care of our patients means taking care of our physicians, taking care of ourselves, and taking care of each other.
On World Mental Health Day, we hosted a virtual event for ReSurge physicians, which featured Liz Métraux from the UN Foundation, an expert in physician mental health. In the session, we explored how professional fulfillment grows from three essential relationships — with peers, patients, and purpose — and why building community is one of the most powerful ways to protect well-being, strengthen teams, and deliver better patient care. Thanks to everyone who participated. You can learn more about the Mental Health topic we focused on and the event details on our blog.
On the World Stage: ReSurge at the 27th International Leadership Association
Representing ReSurge, President and CEO Claire Lachance had the honor of participating in the 27th International Leadership Association Global Conference–the world’s largest cross-sector gathering of leaders, scholars, educators, and development professionals. At the conference, leaders and academics from around the world convened to explore how leadership can catalyze collaboration and positive change through research, practice, and innovative solutions.
"Wrapping up a very inspiring and catalyzing International Leadership Association Global Conference - not only in my capacity as President & CEO of ReSurge International, but as a passionate ILA board member. Across all sectors - including, importantly, global health - new leadership approaches are needed to solve our world's most complex challenges. I look forward to continued dialogue and action!"
- Claire Lachance
ReSurge at the NYPSG Breast Cancer Summit
ReSurge was proud to participate in the New York Plastic Surgical Group's Breast Cancer Summit, where we were highlighted for our work providing access to breast cancer care for women in Vietnam. The event featured real-life survivor stories from people who have battled breast cancer alongside presentations covering key topics pertinent to the breast cancer community, including AI and breast cancer detection, breast cancer and mental health, and access to life-changing breast reconstruction worldwide.
Every moment was made all the more meaningful by the contagious energy and spirit of the breast cancer community, with participants happy to be in community with one another — in a space where they are seen, inspired, and unapologetically pink. Moments like this reinforce why NYPSG and ReSurge International partner to deliver in-country access to breast cancer care in communities where it's needed most.