Esperança (non profit)

History

James Tupper, a recent graduate from the Medical College of Wisconsin, got his first look at medical deprivation and poverty in 1960 while traveling to Antarctica aboard a U.S. Navy ice-breaker. The ship docked in Brazil. It was here where James was struck by those suffering from treatable diseases.

When his military service was completed, he entered the Franciscan Order. He chose the name Luke to reflect his dedication to serving those in need with his medical expertise.

Luke Tupper's Brother, Gerald Tupper, was a lawyer in Phoenix, AZ and formally incorporated Esperança into a non-profit in 1970. For the first 15 years Esperança operated out of a room in Gerald's law office. Esperança moved to its permanent central Phoenix, AZ location in 1985.

Volunteer Surgical Program

Medical missions are one of the focuses of Esperança. Due to his training in the medical field, Luke Tupper focused on providing medical services to those in need. In 1972 Esperança purchased the Point Loma Ferry. The ship was originally used for transporting passengers to and from Southern California’s Coronado Island. Esperanca relocated the vessel to Brazil and it became a floating hospital providing treatment to the underserved. Parts of the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), a decommissioned aircraft carrier, were donated in order to convert the ship into a floating hospital. The surgical program expanded into Bolivia in 1985 and terminated the program in 2014.

Currently, the surgical program operates in Nicaragua. Medical professionals volunteer their time to provide surgeries to communities in need. The medical volunteers are general, plastic, orthopedic, gynecological and pediatric surgeons who conduct operations for patients. Volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses come from all over, procuring medical supplies for their mission and paying for their own airfare.

Donated Medical Supplies

Each year, Esperança ships one container full of donated medical goods to its partner in Nicaragua for use in clinics and hospitals. Supplies are used by their surgical volunteer teams and distributed to hospitals in need in the region. They are donated by private individuals, partnerships with hospitals and medical companies.

Phoenix Program

The Phoenix Program began in 1999 and currently provides health education on oral health, nutrition, fitness, and chronic disease management to uninsured and underinsured children and families. Families are also referred to low-cost health resources and services. Education for adults includes evidence based curriculum informing community members on how to prepare healthy culturally appropriate meals. In addition, a similar curriculum is in development for elementary aged children.

Water and Sanitation

Recent water and sanitation projects have been developed with the assistance of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Nutrition and Food Security

In 1977 Esperança moved from a curative approach to a preventive model of treatment. The program originated in Brazil and focused on nutrition, including education for mothers as well as recording the weight of their preschool aged children. The program has since expanded to Nicaragua, Peru, Bolivia, and Mozambique.

Disease Prevention and Treatment

Esperança is currently working on the prevention and treatment of Chagas disease in Bolivia.

Financial Accountability

Esperança currently has a four star rating by Charity Navigator. The organization is currently funded through a combination of grants from private foundations and individual contributions. The United States Agency for International Development has also supported past projects.