Tricia Gerald – A Legacy of Service

For more than 20 years, Tricia Gerald, a physical therapist from Danville, Indiana, has dedicated a week each year to providing life-changing care to patients in need. Her journey with medical missions began in 2003 with Operation Walk Mooresville, which later transitioned into Team Hope In Motion. Since then, she has been an integral part of the team, returning year after year to serve.  

To Tricia, this work is more than just volunteering—it’s a calling. Over the years, the team has become like family, relying on one another to keep the mission going. The bond they share extends beyond professional collaboration; it is rooted in a shared commitment to giving, serving, and making a lasting impact.  

As a physical therapist, Tricia initially focused solely on patient rehabilitation, helping them regain mobility after surgery. In recent years, her role has expanded to include coordinating continuity of care—ensuring that each patient receives therapy, post-surgical orders, and the necessary support to transition smoothly from the hospital to their home. She takes great pride in making this process as seamless as possible for both patients and their families.  

One of the most rewarding moments for Tricia this week was working with a young boy who had undergone surgery for clubfoot. Watching him take steps for the first time and seeing the joy on his mother’s face was an unforgettable experience. It’s moments like these that reinforce why she continues to return year after year.  

Beyond the hospital walls, Tricia has been deeply moved by the sense of community in Guatemala. She admires how families support not only their own loved ones but also others in need. Unlike in the U.S., where patients often recover in private rooms, here, family members and even strangers step in to assist one another—whether it’s helping someone to the bathroom or offering a comforting presence. This generosity of spirit is something she finds truly inspiring.  

Tricia is also struck by the stark contrast in access to healthcare between Guatemala and the United States. She has met patients who have lived with untreated fractures for over a decade simply because they couldn’t afford care or access a medical facility. The work of Team Hope in Motion and Faith in Practice plays a vital role in bridging this gap, reaching patients in remote villages and bringing them to the city for much-needed surgeries. Many travel five or more hours to receive treatment, a journey that speaks to their resilience and determination.  

Back home, Tricia remains committed to supporting the mission beyond her time in Guatemala. She collects walkers throughout the year at her clinic, gathering 50 to 60 annually, which are then shipped months in advance to ensure patients have the mobility aids they need post-surgery. She hopes that once patients no longer need them, these walkers will continue to serve others in their communities.  

She is incredibly grateful for the support that makes this work possible—the donors, friends, and family members who contribute financially and through supplies. Even a $25 donation helps provide essential medical equipment and resources. Every contribution plays a part in changing lives.  

Tricia’s dedication exemplifies the heart of Team Hope In Motion: a commitment to healing, compassion, and restoring dignity to those who need it most.

If you’d like to support Tricia and our team in providing the life-giving gift of mobility for those in desperate need, please click below to make a donation today.