From Lacrosse Fields to Operating Rooms: How Notre Dame Graduates Found Purpose Volunteering with One World Surgery
Nick Harris and Marco Napolitano, two recent graduates of Notre Dame and former lacrosse teammates, embarked on a life-changing journey with One World Surgery. Through their volunteer work in Honduras, they discovered the profound impact of service, both on the communities they served and on their own lives.
Can you tell us about your background?
Nick Harris: I’m Nick Harris, and I’m from Dublin, Ohio. I had the opportunity to attend Notre Dame for five years, where I earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and a graduate degree in data analytics. I also played on the lacrosse team and was part of two national championships. After graduation, I moved to Washington, DC, to work at Capital Automotive Real Estate Services (CARS), a company that specializes in real estate investment, focusing on acquiring and leasing back dealerships across the United States.
Marco Napolitano: My name is Marco Napolitano, and I’m from San Diego, California. Like Nick, I spent five years at Notre Dame, where I earned an undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in accounting and a master’s in management. Nick and I were teammates on the lacrosse team, where we celebrated back-to-back national championships to conclude our college careers. Currently, I’m at USC Medical School, just wrapping up my first month, and so far, it’s been a great experience.
How did you learn about One World Surgery? What got you interested in volunteering?
Marco Napolitano: Our trip was spearheaded by Drs. Michael and Mary Hannon, both Notre Dame alumni. I connected with them during an internship I did between my sophomore and junior years. Their sons love lacrosse, so that’s how we formed a bond. I spent that summer working in Mike’s office, helping around the clinic, and observing surgeries. The Hannons had been volunteering with One World Surgery for years, and they often spoke highly of their experiences. After graduating, I knew I wanted to be part of this mission, so I joined them on their most recent trip this summer.
Nick Harris: When Marco mentioned he was going and started fundraising, I jokingly asked if he would sneak me in his carry-on bag. Then one day, my dad asked if I wanted to join him, and I said, “Sign me up.” I was a last-minute addition, but thanks to Mary and Mike Hannon, they made it happen. I’m so glad they did.
Is there a specific experience on your trip that impacted you?
Marco Napolitano: I worked primarily as a general volunteer in the OR because I’m passionate about pursuing a career in surgery. One case that stands out was a young girl with a growth plate fracture in her knee, causing a deformity that we would normally catch and treat in the US. I observed the surgery while the doctors inserted a rod through her femur into her tibia. Seeing her regain mobility and autonomy post-surgery was incredibly inspiring.
Nick Harris: As a general volunteer, I helped with various tasks, from building a canal to assist with water drainage to de-greasing the kitchen and painting different areas of the ranch. It was powerful to see the transformation that our daily efforts brought to the community.
One of the drainage systems right outside one of the main buildings had this low ridge underpass, where there was old sewage, spiders, and overgrown grass. None of us wanted to go into it. But Jorge, a mason worker, didn’t hesitate and did it with a smile on his face. He put his head down and worked hard. I was amazed at how committed he is to making a difference there, the difference that he makes every day. Those little moments just pushed me to work even harder when I was there. I still carry that today.
Did you gain any personal growth or insights from this experience?
Marco Napolitano: Before going to Honduras, my experience in medicine was very privileged. I had worked with orthopedic surgeons in affluent areas, dealing with patients whose issues were vastly different from what we encountered in Honduras. This trip opened my eyes to the dire state of healthcare in underserved regions and inspired me to help those in need closer to home. It reminded me that I don’t have to get on a flight to make a difference—I can help people in my own backyard.
Nick Harris: I’m very thankful for the life I’ve had, with access to education, a supportive family, and good living conditions. Going on this mission trip, my first ever, and visiting a developing country like Honduras was eye-opening. Seeing the living conditions from the moment we got on the bus made me grateful for what I have, and reminded me never to take it for granted. It’s crucial to give back when you can, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply supporting communities in need.
In what ways do you feel like your volunteer work has made a positive impact?
Marco Napolitano: In the operating room, I saw patients come in with limited mobility and leave with their lives transformed after surgery. Witnessing their gratitude and newfound ability to walk again was deeply moving. It’s rare to see such immediate and profound changes in life.
Nick Harris: The tangible difference we made every day was incredibly rewarding. We made significant progress on the road canal, reducing the chances of it deteriorating over time. Cleaning and repainting the kitchens for the pequeños was also important for maintaining a healthy environment. One thing that Jorge would always say after we finished for the day, was “Thank you, I appreciate your help, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” It meant a lot to hear that every day.
Has this experience brought you closer to your community at Notre Dame and your connections with the Hannons?
Marco Napolitano: I’m currently at USC, and Notre Dame and USC play against each other in football every year, so we’re planning a tailgate together. This connection likely wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t gone on this trip. The bonds we formed on this mission have remained strong, and we even made new connections along the way.
In the early days of my lacrosse tournaments, I was encouraged to play with teammates that I had never met before. This was very helpful in quickly cultivating productive and fruitful relationships that I worked with in the OR. Being a part of something larger than myself was a cultural element that was heavily stressed during my time at Notre Dame, and I quickly learned that this was also an integral part of the mission of NPH and OWS. Also, having egoless clarity in the role that you are serving was a huge point of emphasis for our Notre Dame team. This means that whatever your assigned role is on the team that day, you execute that role with the fullest enthusiasm and without exerting any of your own ego or expectations onto the team. Finally, the role of community was a heavy focus for our team throughout the years, as we would volunteer weekly at the Boys and Girls Club of South Bend and other local elementary and middle schools. The culture of togetherness, community, and pure humility in one’s role that we had on our Notre Dame team allowed for a seamless transition into a week of service in Honduras, regardless of the context.
Nick Harris: We made connections across different ages and backgrounds, learned a lot from each other, and built strong relationships. By the end of the week, we felt like part of the community, especially with the Hannons and the Daly family, who also have deep Notre Dame roots. We’re looking forward to meeting up again at the USC-Notre Dame tailgate to reminisce and maybe even plan a future trip.
What advice would you give to future volunteers?
Marco Napolitano: For younger folks, I’d say this isn’t just a resume builder that you can do for a week and forget about. Go into it with a full heart, ready to serve and help others. If you approach it with humility, you’ll connect with people and make meaningful memories.
Nick Harris: I signed up for this trip because I wanted to be of service and contribute to the One World Surgery mission. It was a great experience, and I believe everyone should have it at least once in their life. I’d encourage others not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zones—observe a surgery, try different jobs, and you’ll be surprised at what you learn. Don’t treat it like a vacation. While it’s important to have fun, the goal is to serve the community, build relationships, and make a lasting impact.
Is there anything else from your trip you want to highlight?
Marco Napolitano: I want to give a shout-out to the people who made this trip possible for me. I started a GoFundMe during our lacrosse season, and the support we received from the Notre Dame lacrosse community was incredible. We raised enough for our trip expenses and donated nearly $3,000 back to One World Surgery. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!
