About Us

Who are we?

We are a group of 20+ physician assistant students located in Orlando, FL that host an annual 5k race in order to raise money for a Medical Mission Trip to the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala.  We work with the PA-led nonprofit group, Hands of Esperanza, to provide medical support and healthcare to members of a unique indigenous community.  During the week-long trip, we are able to work alongside licensed clinicians to see and treat approximately 500 patients, many of which travel long distances by foot to reach the clinic and have limited access to healthcare otherwise. 

What do we do?

In addition to purchasing all necessary medical supplies for the week-long trip, we use the funds raised to support public health projects such as installing smoke-diverting stoves and durable water filtration systems.  Hands of Esperanza’s newest project includes building a multi-specialty medical & surgical clinic to support this patient population throughout the year.  We are also able to work closely with a local orphanage called Casa Gloria which provides shelter to children from dire situations with little to no support to ensure they grow up with enriched lives to become productive members of the local San Cristobal community. 

How you can help!

Every entry to participate in our 5k goes directly to our mission to provide adequate and sustainable health care to the communities we help serve in Guatemala. In addition to participating in our 5k event, we are happy to receive donations to our GoFundMe.  If you or a business you know are interested in becoming a sponsor for the race, see our "Become A Sponsor" page.  Additionally, we accept donations of medical supplies, hygiene products, and children's toys to bring with us on the trip.  For additional questions and inquiries, feel free to email us at info.sharkstride@gmail.com.  For more information about Hands of Esperanza, you can visit their website at https://www.handsofesperanza.org/.