A Tale of Love and Service: Caitlin and Sam’s Unforgettable Engagement at One World Surgery
Written by Shannon Sotomayor , January 29, 2024
How did you first hear of One World Surgery?
Dr. Sam Russ: We were blessed to be in the same class at Notre Dame with Michael Daly (the son of One World Surgery Co-Founders Dr. Peter and LuLu Daly).
Caitlin Russ: Michael and Sam became great friends studying abroad in Mexico, and later visited the NPH home there. After being inspired by the One World Surgery mission, Sam traveled to Honduras for a medical mission trip the following spring.
What inspired you both to sign up for a medical mission?
Dr. Sam Russ: Caitlin’s first trip was a non-medical mission with a group from Notre Dame. We both fell in love with the ranch and the mission separately but were inspired by our faith and the spirit of service at both NPH and the Holy Family Surgery Center.
How did you two meet?
Dr. Sam Russ: We are high school sweethearts! I asked Caitlin’s best friend to a dance, and when that friend completely ignored me, Caitlin took pity and we hit it off. The rest is history!
Why did you choose to propose in Honduras?
Dr. Sam Russ: The ranch is a special place for both of us. We had talked about getting engaged but didn’t have any definite plans. I wanted to take Caitlin by surprise, but also wanted to make sure we got engaged at a holy place that was special for both of us. And it makes for a great story!
Can you share the proposal story in your own words?
Dr. Sam Russ: The medical mission trip was full, and since Caitlin was not a medical volunteer at the time, LuLu was trying to cut back on the number of non-clinical volunteers. I told LuLu about the proposal, so of course she agreed to let Caitlin come along. I waited until the last day of the mission to propose so we didn’t have too much attention drawn to us during the rest of the week. We went on a sunrise walk up the hill behind the chapel to the big rock that looks out over the ranch. Our friend Michael came along because I knew Caitlin would appreciate having pictures of the moment. We said a rosary on the way up and Michael kept praying for things like “The grace to say yes,” and I thought he was going to give it away. Finally we got up on the rock and I pretended to fall down, and almost pushed Caitlin down the mountain by accident. Thankfully she kept her balance, and I popped the question. And the biggest miracle was, she said yes!
Caitlin Russ: I did not expect to go down to Honduras and come back engaged! Sam waited until the last day of the trip to propose. I thought we were going on a sunrise hike up the mountain, so the proposal caught me off guard in the best of ways. It’s a story we both cherish.
