Last month, three members of the Big Stone Therapies family—Pam Neugebauer (PT, Director of Operations), Tayla Waddell (PTA, Milbank), and Tierra Hansen (Recruitment Manager)—traveled to Guatemala as part of BST’s ongoing partnership with the San Lucas Mission. Alongside a group of University of Mary DPT students, they spent a week providing therapy services to patients in rural communities, while also learning from the people they met.
In just four days of clinic work, the team collectively treated 110 patients—a mix of home visits for those unable to travel and busy community clinic days. Their work ranged from wheelchair fittings and cane replacements to treating chronic neck, back, and knee pain, and even helping children with developmental delays.
Meeting Needs, Big and Small
The community’s gratitude was overwhelming. Patients who had lived with pain for years welcomed the simplest interventions with tears, hugs, and heartfelt thanks. Pam shared that sometimes all they could offer was a pair of shoes or a short list of exercises, but to the patients, these small changes meant life-changing improvements.
“At times it felt like what we gave them was so small, but their gratitude was so heart felt and sincere.”
Pam
For Tayla, one unforgettable moment came on the first day of clinic when she met a woman who had lost her leg in an accident nearly 20 years ago. Her prosthetic was tied on with rope, often slipping as she tried to walk. Tayla improvised with a knee sleeve to create suction and taught her how to clean and care for it.
“She cried and cried and CRIED. She gave many hugs and expressions of gratitude for helping solve this issue and allowing her to ambulate with ease again.” Tayla
Tierra recalled the impact of simple gifts too—like offering new tennis shoes, or adjusting a cane.
“Seemingly small changes made such an impact on their day to day lives.” – Tierra
Lessons Learned in Faith and Gratitude
Each team member reflected on how much the people of Guatemala taught them in return.
Tierra found the trip humbling, sharing that it reminded her never to take things for granted. She was amazed by the light and strength in people who seemed to have so little.
Pam was struck by the patients’ openness and joy, even while carrying heavy physical and personal burdens. She was also reminded of the gift of simplicity and patience, describing “Guatemala time” as a blessing compared to our rushed culture.
Tayla, on her third trip, saw God’s presence clearly—reminding her that no matter the differences in language, culture, or circumstance, His love reigns over all.
Serving Together
Collaboration was at the heart of the mission. BST clinicians worked side by side with UMary students, translators, and mission staff. Groups split up to reach as many patients as possible, then came back together to share ideas, resources, and encouragement. Non-clinical team members—like Tierra, Pam’s daughters, and her niece—jumped in to help with documenting, organizing supplies, and connecting with children.
Pam summed it up simply: “It truly was a team effort.”
A Lasting Impact
Beyond the numbers and the stories, this mission reinforced the importance of healthcare access in underserved communities. Something as small as an untreated ankle sprain can turn into a lifetime of pain without proper care. The BST team came home with renewed gratitude, sharper problem-solving skills, and hearts full of stories that will last a lifetime.
Would they go again? The answer was unanimous: absolutely.
And for anyone considering joining a future mission?
“Accept the nudge—you will not regret it.”
– Tayla
👉 At Big Stone Therapies, we believe in becoming stronger together—not only in our clinics, but across the world. We are grateful for the chance to serve, to learn, and to be reminded that even the smallest acts of care can make a BIG difference.
