Testimonials

I truly feel blessed for the opportunity to travel with CAMEO to Jamaica during Spring Break 2006. Knowing that there was a great deal of people that needed our help before embarking on this trip, it was very humbling to actually travel, interact, and experience these great people firsthand. It was nice to be around people that truly appreciated any help they received, even if it was as simple as giving them a pair of reading glasses that allowed them to see for the first time in years. The memories gained from this medical mission trip will last a lifetime and have served to strengthen the desire within me to pursue a life and career in medicine.
Robert Durand

Volunteering for this program was an eye opening experience for me. As a nurse-in-training I was able to apply my knowledge in a variety of different situations. I learned a great deal on this trip as well and got the chance to observe and assist doctors and nurses. This trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would recommend this experience to all pre med, and nursing students who want to expand on their knowledge base, help some people who are in great need, and have a great time while doing it.
Sheli Feder

 Doing a mission trip with CAMEO was probably one of the best decisions I have made in college. It felt great to help so many people in just a couple of days and to see a new country at the same time. My favorite part would have to be playing with the children and giving out candy to them. This was my first medical mission trip, and now I plan on doing many more.
Steven Schmid

I just wanted to thank everyone on this trip for everything they have done.  Mama Keen and David have created something so special that I feel words cannot describe what this trip does to a person.  It changes you in so many positive ways.  This trip has truly reminded me why I study until 3 in the morning almost every other night.  On this trip you truly learn many things, but one of the most important things is that it is much better to give than to receive.  I got way more from the people we saw than they got from me.  To them, they got a few pills but to me, meeting them meant much, much more.  I came on this trip hoping to come closer to God and little did I know that God was going to do his work though me like I have always asked him for.  To Mama, I can’t wait to see you again and to David, I cannot wait to go on a trip where I get to work with you.  You will always have a doctor for trips when I get out of med school.  Also, another big “Thank You” to Dr. LaRosa and Dr. Liz because I have learned so much about medicine.  I now know I have a true calling and God has a plan for me to help people for the rest of my life.   I love you all. God Bless,
Todd Dimmick

Jamaica, the land of great coffee and awesome people.  It was here that I learned about affection and how a little help could go a long way.  I remember the first day on the job.  I was sent to the infirmary.  There I experienced my second culture shock.  Seeing the things I saw made me realize that our miseries didn’t nor would ever compare to the misfortunes these people go though daily.  Working with the doctors was amazing.  Never had I seen such enthusiasm and excitement come from two dedicated people.  Their great personalities and eagerness to help made me realize that becoming a doctor was indeed my passion.  Also, my attitude towards community service changed completely.  It opened my eyes and made me understand that working with underdeveloped communities could alter one’s personality.  The CAMEO team assigned to Buff Bay was awesome.  Everyone bonded very well and all of us shared the same goal, to help those in need.  Coming to Jamaica was truly a life changing experience.  Providing medical services to the people was amazing especially when we were able to witness how something so small could change another’s life completely.  Although we share moments of sadness and sorrow, coming to Jamaica also created a greater chemical bond between 14 complete strangers having the same determination and medical goals.  CAMEO was an awesome trip and the experiences were definitely unforgettable.  Thank You!!!
Jennifer Santamaria

CAMEO brought me to Jamaica to help those in need, but I found out the one in need was me.  The magnitude of help we provided for the Jamaicans was nothing compared to what they bestowed upon me. This was a medical mission yet turned into a mission of self-discovery and close friendships.  I did not know if medicine was the right path for me to take, but to know that we made many lives change for the better sparked a fire in me that I do not wish to put out.  To be introduced and welcomed whole-heartedly into a culture of great food, faith, praise and love, really opened my eyes even more to the beautiful spectrum the world contains.  It also showed me how “a change of life” is needed for those neglected and underserved even though they live life to the fullest.  I want to thank CAMEO for allowing me to re-surface and shine on a purpose and discover the path of hope.  Thanks for the chance of a lifetime.
Michelle Haines

I thank those who gave me the opportunity to be of service to the Jamaican people.  I believe I speak for everyone when I say we have all been touched by this trip, and it is my hope we have had the same effect on those we aided and those around us.  With love and respect,
Terek Arce

Take me to Jamaica!  I never know how to start these things, especially this one because so much has happened to me mentally as well as physically.  I wasn’t expecting this trip to affect me as much as it did.  I thought “yeah, I’ll get some experience and be on a vacation at the same time” but it turned out to be way more than that. Through these past few days I realized that I wasn’t just helping people, I was changing lives and that alone was a BIG wakeup call (smack in face if you will).  (These people were so appreciative and loving and are calmed by their faith.  I truly believe they “walk by faith, not by sight.”) Knowing that you could change someone’s life is a bit overwhelming.  I cried for a good 20 minutes on the van, but they were tears of joy.  Actually, I think all of us cried at one point or another on this trip, including Colette and Dennis – the two people I thought I wouldn’t see cry.  I just wish I could do more…bring more meds or glasses or food, clothing, etc.  The fact of the matter is that these people need us to help them because they are lacking so many things.  This puts me in a position to be thankful for what I’ve got; my health, working and active body parts and good people (like this awesome trip) that surround me and bring joy to my life.  As an aside, this trip made me contemplate the idea of med school a lot.  I meditated and prayed about it and I decided, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.  I want to live for a purpose, not just live and that purpose is helping those in need.  Thus, I have come to the decision to go to med school.  So what if I don’t graduate on time, but who does?  So I guess that you can say that I am a changed woman, but for the better.  I want to thank you for allowing me to grow on this trip by developing a sense of “self”.  I have also grown spiritually as well as hope that it continues to.  Thank you again, you truly touched my life, but it doesn’t stop there.  You touched all our lives, and this love that we have been touched with, will radiate like the sun and spread like a wild fire.  We love you very much.  Thank you for this eye enlightening experience.  With love,
Christina