Seconded By: John McDermott,
Mileyda Isabella Pérez Díaz, a 5-year-old girl from the remote village of El Zarzal in San Juan, Intibucá, Honduras, endured over a year of pain from a persistent facial abscess. Despite undergoing two surgeries at her local hospital, the underlying cause was never properly diagnosed or treated. Her family, living in deep poverty, watched helplessly as the public health system repeatedly referred her case from one facility to another without offering a permanent solution.
Her life changed when her story reached Dr. Albert S. Woo, MD, Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center and Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Volunteering through Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), Dr. Woo traveled to Honduras and successfully removed a sarcoma tumor that had been growing beneath Mileyda’s right eye.
CAMO called her case “very special,” stating, “We had to go to battle for this little 5-year-old, an effort we will always do for our patients.”
Mileyda has now completed her chemotherapy and does not require radiation. Her hair is growing back, and she’s thriving in first grade. No longer fond of headbands, she beams with confidence as she returns to school—full of life and hope.
Still A Happy Kid
Mileyda Díaz laughs and plays with the curtains while Dra. Aurora Lopez, (not seen), finishes up notes on her upcoming surgery at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on March 10, 2024.
MRI's on the Viewbox
MRI’s of Mileyda Díaz are seen on a viewbox while she undergoes sarcoma removal from beneath her eye at Occidental Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, March 12, 2024. Dr. Woo, a plastic surgeon, is working as a volunteer with Central American Medical Outreach.
Before You Go In
María Orellana wipes away tears prior to surgery for her 5-year-old granddaughter, Mileyda Díaz at Occidental Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, March 12, 2024. Dr. Albert Woo will be working with Central American Medical Outreach for this operation.
Surgical Site Markings
Surgical site markings are visible on the sarcoma growth of Mileyda Díaz, age 5, at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, March 12, 2024. Dr. Woo will lead this operation working with Central American Medical Outreach.
Reflections
Mileyda Díaz is reflected in the surgical loupes of Dr. Woo during surgery to remove a sarcoma beneath her eye at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, March 12, 2024. Dr. Woo working with Central American Medical Outreach.
Last Few Sutures
Dr. Juan Ramon Osorio sutures Mileyda Isabella Pérez Díaz, following surgical removal of her sarcoma cancer growth at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on March 12, 2024.
Excised Sarcoma
A medical team member holds an excised sarcoma tumor following Mileyda Díaz’s surgery at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on March 12, 2024. Surgery was done by Dr. Woo, in collaboration with Central American Medical Outreach.
Liquid Feeding
Mileyda Díaz is fed by her grandmother María Orellana following surgery to remove a sarcoma cancer growth beneath her eye at Occidental Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, March 12, 2024. The operation was done with the help of Central American Medical Outreach.
Heartfelt Hug
Dr. Woo receives a hug from Mileyda Díaz, eleven months after her successful removal of her sarcoma tumor surgery at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copan, February 23, 2025. Woo worked with Central American Medical Outreach for this surgery.
Feeling Great
Mileyda Isabella Pérez Díaz, poses for a photo after visiting Dr. Albert S. Woo during his consultations at Occidente Hospital in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on February 23, 2025.