About Us
Who are we?
We are a group of 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 included building a multi-specialty medical & surgical clinic to support this patient population throughout the year.
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 (linked below!). 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.comFor more information about Hands of Esperanza, please visit their website at https://www.handsofesperanza.org/
For the past five years, Hands of Esperanza has partnered with Guatemalan-based organizations Living to Serve and Misión Vida Nueva to support the community of San Cristóbal, Guatemala. Each August, Orlando-based Physician Assistant students organize and participate in a medical mission trip to provide essential healthcare services to the region. During this mission, licensed clinicians and PA students deliver basic medical care, health education, and sustainable preventive initiatives—such as water filtration systems and smokeless stoves—to improve the health and well-being of local and indigenous populations.
To help fund these efforts, students host the annual Shark Stride 5K, a fun and competitive race open to participants of all ages. Now in its 11th year, the event continues to grow, allowing us to expand our impact. Proceeds directly support the purchase of essential medications and medical supplies for the patients we serve in Guatemala. For more information, please visit the Hands of Esperanza website linked below!