We received countless stories from the field that touched our hearts in 2017. Stories came in from medical mission teams visiting communities around the world sharing their experiences of transforming lives through surgery or by providing life-saving medicines and supplies. MAP shares many of these with you through our Health and Hope blog, while others appear in our newsletter.

The resilience of each patient was palpable. Their gratitude immeasurable. Here is one of the best from 2017…  

The 19-year-old girl from Qinyang, China wished for simple things: to feel the sun on her face, to laugh with her friends, to meet a boy, things most teenage girls enjoy without thought. Born with spina bifida and clubbing of both feet, she was unable to take more than a few steps or stand without support.

Her parents prayed for a miracle and wondered what the future would hold. There were no easy answers. Imagine if this was your child or grandchild.

It's been more than 100 days since Hurricane Maria shattered the homes, livelihoods, and day-to-day normalcy of thousands of people in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean.

Our hearts broke as we witnessed another hurricane devastate the lives of so many following the destructive paths of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Unfortunately, 2017 was an unprecedented year for natural disasters around the world. It is through the generous support of MAP International donors and partners that life after these events was made a little easier for those affected...

Our hearts are full and the MAP International team is deeply humbled by the tremendous support offered in 2017.   Because of your compassion ‘for the least of these’, MAP was able to serve more people in 2017 than ever in one year. This means more people received life-changing medicines because of you. 

For the many who offered gifts, your timing could not have been better...