Delivering Hope to Roatán Through C.U.R.E. Kits

Written By: Lilyana Webb

For the past five years, Dennis Callahan and his family have carried something extra with them when they travel to Honduras—not souvenirs, but 50-pound bags of essential medical supplies for local clinics in need supplied by Project C.U.R.E.  

Their story began with a chance encounter while working in Colorado, but has grown into a deep, personal mission to help support the people of the Honduran island of Roatán, which they consider a second home. 

A Chance Encounter 

Dennis first learned about Project C.U.R.E. in an unexpected way—while out on a job.  

“We do electrical work, and that’s how we met Jim and AnnaMarie Jackson,” the organization’s founders, Dennis said. “The minute you meet those two, it’s not about electrical work anymore. It becomes their whole story, what they did and who they are.”  

During their first conversation, Dennis mentioned that he and his wife Krissy had a home in Roatán. The Jacksons told them about the C.U.R.E. Kit program, and how travelers can check 50-pound bags of medical supplies as luggage when they travel. 

Since then, every time the Callahans travel to Honduras, they bring a C.U.R.E. Kit. A kit can help equip clinics, support local healthcare workers, and help build connections within communities.  

“Even our kids take them,” Dennis said. “When we land, the locals say, ‘Oh, it’s the medical bag people!’” 

Finding the Clinics That Need Help the Most 

Dennis and Krissy first visited Roatán 16 years ago and heard that while it was beautiful, it was the people who stood out the most.  

 “We’ve watched our friends there grow up, get married, and have children,” Dennis said. “They’re amazing people.”  

Over the years, the Callahans have built deep relationships within the community and among healthcare workers. These connections now help them determine where C.U.R.E. Kits are needed most.  

Roatán’s healthcare system faces many challenges, including a lack of basic supplies. In 2024, the island’s only public hospital burned down.  

“They built a temporary clinic, but the hospital still has not reopened,” Dennis said. “People are dying because there’s nowhere for them to go.”  

Kits have gone to many places around the island, such as Flowers Bay and Las Fuertes.  

“The doctor at Flowers Bay was so happy when we brought her bandages and wound care items,” Dennis said. They always need essential items. What we think of as small, can make a difference for them.”  

Sometimes, clinic staff try to give something in return. “They’re so grateful. They feel like they owe us something. But we’re just glad to help.”  

In one hillside community they visited, known as “Strong People,” they encountered a physician from the United States. She has run a women’s health clinic in the area for the past 14 years, having built it from a tiny hut into a two-story building.  

“The clinic blew us away,” Dennis said. “She cares for pregnant women and children in a building that she built from nothing. She gets no help. So now, every trip, we are taking kits to her.”  

The Newly Built Hospital in Roatán

Krissy Callahan Talking to a Physician at a Clinic in Flowers Bay

Hope for a Fully Equipped Hospital 

The Callahans hope to take a bigger step in their giving. They want to help Roatán to receive a full cargo container of medical supplies delivered by Project C.U.R.E. to assist with the opening of the new hospital.  

Dennis said that it’s simple acts of building connections, having good intentions, and aiding the community with kits that have enabled the Callahans to become a part of Roatán, and that is why they love being involved with Project C.U.R.E.  

He recounted a favorite memory of visiting a community that was considered unsafe. They ended up in the home of a woman who cooked for them for two hours and talked with members of the community all afternoon.  

“This program is something anyone with the means should get involved in,” Dennis said. “It may seem small, but it makes a huge impact.” 

Want to follow the Callahans' lead? Order a kit here!