Restoring Hearing, Changing Lives: Our Mission Trip to Huatulco, Mexico

This past year, our team had the privilege of partnering with The Lupita Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Andrew Glassman, to bring hearing care to an underserved community in Santa María Huatulco, Mexico. Through two dedicated mission trips, our providers and care team worked together to deliver comprehensive hearing evaluations and life-changing hearing aids to patients in need.

A Meaningful Partnership

The Lupita Project was created with a simple but powerful mission: to expand access to hearing healthcare for communities that otherwise might go without. Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Glassman, the organization has continued to make a tangible impact through hands-on medical outreach, education, and sustainable care initiatives.

We were honored to collaborate on this mission and contribute our expertise to support patients throughout the region.

Phase 1: Diagnostics & Preparation

April 10 – 13 | Huatulco, Mexico

The first phase of the mission focused on assessment and preparation. During this trip, Dr. Stephen Kirsch and Dr. Preston Thompson conducted comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations for local patients. In addition to testing, the team took custom earmold impressions, a critical step in ensuring that each patient would later receive hearing aids properly fit to their individual needs.

This phase laid the groundwork for long-term success, allowing the team to carefully plan for the hearing aid fittings scheduled later in the year.

Phase 2: Hearing Aid Fittings & Follow-Up Care

October 30 – November 2 | Huatulco, Mexico

In the fall, the entire team returned to complete the mission and deliver on the promise made months earlier. During this phase, patients were fit

with their hearing aids, many experiencing improved hearing for the very first time.

The Phase 2 team included:

• Dr. Stephen Kirsch

• Dr. Lyn Kirsch

• Dr. Preston Thompson

• Celeste Perez, RN

• Lanaisha Green, Patient Care Coordinator

Together, the team worked tirelessly to ensure each patient received not only properly fitted devices, but also education, support, and compassionate care throughout the process.

A Community Impact

Through this mission, 60 hearing aids were delivered to patients in the Santa María Huatulco community, restoring access to sound, communication, and connection. The impact extends far beyond hearing alone – improved hearing can mean better education, employment opportunities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Local coverage highlighted the importance of this work and the difference it has made within the community.

Looking Ahead

Mission trips like this reinforce why access to hearing healthcare matters. We are deeply grateful to The Lupita Project, our dedicated providers, care team, and the local community for welcoming us and making this experience so meaningful.

We look forward to continuing our involvement in global hearing health initiatives and supporting organizations that are changing lives – one patient at a time.