Children of The Americas

09/16/2026

08/20/2026

It is with heavy heart, we announce the passing of a long time volunteer with COTA, Cathy Williams. Cathy served many years with COTA, often a part of the pre-team, working triage, and the clinic. She also lent a helping hand to anyone that needed it. The COTA family send condolences to her husband Rob (also a faithful COTA volunteer) and her entire family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.

08/16/2026

In August, families in the United States are gearing up for the back-to-school season. For one young boy in Guatemala, school this year means something so much more. Before receiving orthopedic surgery through Children of the Americas, walking to school was a daily challenge, and running with friends was nearly impossible. Today, thanks to the life-changing care provided by our dedicated medical volunteers, he can ambulate with ease, lace up a pair of normal shoes, and run and play alongside his classmates! School is about more than just textbooks and tests—it’s about growing, making friends, and stepping confidently into the future. We are so grateful to our volunteer medical teams and generous supporters who make these transformations possible, giving children the freedom to move, play, and learn.

06/19/2026

Though separated by borders, the language of fatherhood is entirely universal.
This week, we recognize Father’s Day celebrations in both Guatemala (celebrated on June 17th) and the United States (celebrated on the third Sunday of June).
As we look at these two distinct cultures, it’s beautiful to realize how much common ground we share. A father may speak different languages and navigate different daily realities, but their fundamental vision for their children is identical.
Every father strives to provide a foundation of security, to open doors of opportunity, and to raise children who will build a kinder, brighter world.
Within our organization, Children of the Americas, we celebrate the diverse ways our global community honors family, and we salute all the fathers, mentors, and father figures working hard every day to support the next generation.
Happy Father’s Day to all!

06/05/2026

The dog days of summer aren't quite here yet- but COTA 2027 applications are!

If you didn't receive an email, don't worry! (especially if your name is near the end of the alphabet.) Our COTA following has grown so much we can't send the applications all in one batch.

We are especially looking for pediatricians and pediatric anesthesia providers.

05/16/2026

Thumbs up for COTA 2027!🥳
Applications will be coming out soon, but we want to get our 2027 team dates on your calendar: January 16-22, 2027.

We are always looking for new volunteers in all areas, and here are several in particular for this year:
kitchen staff
pediatrics
dentistry
nursing

Thanks to everyone who supports COTA all year long!

05/03/2026

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/mothers-day-stroller-donations

As we approach Mother’s Day, and we honor the mothers in our own lives, I’m asking you to help a mother in Guatemala care for her child who cannot walk.

Every year the Children of the Americas medical mission team meets families whose children depend on them for every move. Without proper mobility equipment, these mothers carry their children for miles, struggle with daily tasks, and watch their sons and daughters miss out on school, play, and family life.

To assist these mothers, we are reaching out to you to help us secure 12 Convaid Cruiser Strollers. Our goal is $20,000. Please consider a gift of $100, $250 or $500.

These lightweight, foldable, medically designed strollers are built for children who are fully dependent on them for mobility. They provide proper positioning, comfort, and safety so mothers can push their children instead of carrying them—freeing them to care for the rest of the family and giving their child dignity and inclusion.

When you give, we will send you a beautiful Mother’s Day gift certificate you can print or forward to honor your mother.

Every dollar counts. Even $25 or $50 helps us get closer to delivering these strollers on our next mission.

With your help, we can improve the lives of many of the families we serve!

03/29/2026

There is a specific stillness that falls over Antigua during Holy Week. Between the heavy scent of incense and the rhythmic step of the cucuruchos, you realize you aren’t just watching history—you’re breathing it in.

Today, we are honoring the devotion and the centuries of tradition that turn these cobblestone streets into a living altar. It’s a reminder that beauty often requires patience, and faith is best expressed together.

03/19/2026

Today is Throwback Thursday, so we’re taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate two pillars of the Children of the Americas family: Henry Elam and Rosemary Vance.

Henry and Rosemary spent years as the "steady hands" of our mission. From Henry’s tireless work on so many trips to Guatemala to Rosemary’s compassionate voice and face of COTA for so many years, their dedication helped build the foundation of what we are today.

Though time has passed, the ripples of their kindness are still felt by the families and children they served. We are so grateful for the chapters of our history that they helped write!

What is your favorite memory of Henry or Rosemary? Share it in the comments below! 👇

03/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and spirit of the women of Guatemala. 🇬🇹💜
In rural communities, women are often the heartbeat of the family and the local economy—weaving intricate textiles, tending to crops, and caring for generations. But when health issues like debilitating hernias strike, their ability to lead and provide is compromised.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to share that our surgical team is focusing on procedures that restore more than just health—they restore agency. By providing general surgeries that were previously out of reach, we are helping women return to their looms, their fields, and their families without the burden of chronic pain.
When you heal a woman, you strengthen a community. Today, we honor our female patients and the incredible women on our medical team who make this work possible. 👩‍⚕️✨