After 10 Years of Waiting, Salvador Finally Found Relief — and a Path Back to the Life He Loves

Written by Shannon Sotomayor , February 24, 2026

For nearly a decade, Salvador lived with a condition that quietly took pieces of his life away; his health, his work, and even his ability to enjoy the mountain biking he loved most.

Today, after receiving life-changing surgery through One World Surgery’s (OWS) site in Honduras, he is recovering with renewed hope and looking forward to reclaiming his independence and dignity.

“I feel different from the moment they called me for my first appointment,” Salvador shared. “My health has improved remarkably. I feel very grateful.”

A Long Journey Through Barriers to Care

Salvador, 61, describes himself as a social promoter who values community and staying active. For years, mountain biking was one of his greatest passions, riding through rugged terrain and exploring new places across the country.

But about ten years ago, persistent urinary symptoms began to interfere with daily life. At the time, Salvador worked for a shrimp company, performing physically demanding labor that included heavy lifting. As his symptoms worsened, he sought medical care through the national social security system.

Doctors told him he needed prostate surgery, but accessing treatment meant navigating a complex process and waiting indefinitely. Months passed without updates. Meanwhile, Salvador continued working while managing increasing discomfort and uncertainty. After a catheter was inserted during treatment, he felt forced to hide his diagnosis out of fear that he would lose his job. That fear became reality.

During a routine company medical exam, the catheter was discovered, and he was told he could not continue working until he had surgery and fully recovered. Soon after, his employment ended, along with his access to social security and the surgery he had been waiting for.

“I was incredibly sad,” Salvador recalled. “I no longer had a chance at my surgery.”

Finding Hope Through One World Surgery

Determined to find another path forward, Salvador began searching for alternatives. A neighbor told him about OWS, a nonprofit working to expand access to surgical and primary care for patients facing significant barriers. He submitted his medical records and traveled to share his diagnosis in person.

In September 2025, he received his first appointment. After diagnostic testing and evaluations with urology and anesthesia specialists, Salvador underwent surgery on January 20, 2026, marking the culmination of years of waiting and uncertainty.

Through OWS, patients like Salvador receive comprehensive, coordinated care, from evaluation and surgical intervention to follow-up appointments that support long-term recovery.

For Salvador, the impact of surgery extends far beyond physical healing. For years, his condition prevented him from cycling, the activity that once brought him joy and freedom. Today, as he continues recovering, he looks forward to returning to the mountains he once explored.

“I hope to be able to practice my favorite sport again soon,” he said. “I’m very grateful to all the staff who work at this center. Thank you for giving me a chance when I needed it most.”

Expanding Access to Life-Changing Surgery in Honduras

Across Honduras, many patients face systemic barriers to care — including limited resources, long wait times, and loss of coverage tied to employment. OWS works to bridge these gaps by providing sustainable surgical access, comprehensive care coordination, and compassionate support for patients who otherwise may have nowhere to turn. Salvador’s story is one example of how access to surgery can restore more than health: it can restore dignity, independence, and hope.

Your support makes stories like Salvador’s possible.

Donate today to help provide life-changing surgical care for more patients in Honduras and beyond.