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Their contributions go beyond roles and titles—they have been among the most generous donors to PAMS, supporting not only our organization but also the San Fernando Chapter. Gonzalo, a graduate of San Fernando Medical School and a highly respected Urology Surgeon, has been a member of PAMS for over forty years. He has gone above and beyond in securing PAMS' future, having established a Charitable Giving Trust that names PAMS as a beneficiary.

Dr. Vasquez’s remarkable journey began in 1961 when he graduated from San Fernando Medical School at the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. After completing postgraduate training in Cardiology in the United States, he went on to have a distinguished career practicing medicine in Chicago. But it was in 2005, following his retirement, that he made a life-changing visit to Yantalo, his mother's hometown.

Shocked to find that living conditions, including access to healthcare, had not improved in 50 years, Dr. Vasquez was inspired by the memory of his mother, Adelina Soplin, to take action. This moment marked the beginning of the Yantalo Peru Foundation and the Adelina Soplin Clinic, a lasting tribute to her legacy of giving back.

The clinic has become a cornerstone of the Yantalo and Moyobamba communities, providing life-saving healthcare to thousands of people. Since 2011, more than 1,260 surgical procedures have been performed, and over 2,000 patients have been treated thanks to the dedication of the medical teams from the USA and Peru who visit the clinic each year. At the heart of this monumental effort are Dr. Luis and Maria Vasquez, whose tireless work has ensured that the people of Yantalo have access to the care they so desperately need.

Dr. Vasquez’s passion and perseverance have been an inspiration to us all. Even after recovering from a serious illness in 2018, he returned to Yantalo to personally greet volunteers—a powerful reminder of his deep commitment to this cause.

Anita Soluna, founder of the organization "Selva en Acción" (SIA), has been awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) for her dedicated work benefiting the most remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon. Since founding SIA in 2007, Soluna has led one of Peru’s most impactful annual medical missions, providing essential healthcare to those living in isolated areas with limited access to medical services.

Anita Soluna’s work with SIA has had a profound impact, benefiting over 26 communities along the Momon River and earning her the affection of the locals, who fondly call her “Charinga,” in reference to her “charapa heart and gringa face.” Luis Espinoza, M.D., current Medical Director of SIA, expressed her admiration for Soluna, who has overcome personal challenges and local obstacles in her mission to aid the "forgotten people" of the Peruvian jungle.

Through her perseverance, SIA has established significant partnerships with the Armed Forces, the National Police, and various local authorities, strengthening her impact in these communities. Known for her tireless dedication and compassion, Soluna receives this recognition from PAMS as a testament to the transformative effect of her work in the Amazon region.

This award not only highlights Anita Soluna's dedication but also serves as an inspiration to others to follow her example, reminding us all of the importance of bringing healthcare to the country’s most underserved areas.