In 1992, the dusty streets of Juba, South Sudan, were filled with the sounds of gunfire. Amidst the chaos, ten-year-old Marino Mauro, guided by his sister, lay flat on the floor of their home, praying for dawn. “We had hardly gone to bed that night when we heard a gunshot. At first, I thought it was a dream, but within a fraction of a second, numerous gunshots filled the air,” Marino recalls. This harrowing night marked the beginning of a journey that would take him far from his war-torn home and ultimately lead him to bring hope and healing back to South Sudan.
Displaced by the civil war, Mauro became one of the “Lost Boys” of South Sudan, joining the ranks of 27,000 children seeking refuge. His path led him to the United States, where he thrived, eventually becoming a certified physician assistant (PA). In 2020, Marino enrolled in the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Doctor of Medical Science program, focusing on Primary Care Medicine. There, he met Amanda Roy and Geraldine Cabero, classmates who shared his vision of giving back to his homeland.
Three years later, that vision became a reality with the establishment of Marino Good Health, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Syracuse, New York. The non-profit, in partnership with Chukudum Hospital in South Sudan, aims to provide much-needed health care and community development.
In its first year, Marino Good Health has already made significant strides. The organization’s five volunteer board members, four of whom recently traveled to Chukudum, delivered 50 mattresses and a range of donated medications and supplies to the hospital. They were welcomed warmly by the hospital staff and local Didinga tribe members, who performed traditional songs and dances in gratitude.
Roy described the challenging conditions they encountered: “Delivering babies and performing surgery by flashlight as there is only power a few hours of the day due to a poorly functioning solar system, lack of running water in most areas of the hospital, and inadequate nutritional support as family must supply your needs. The list goes on. No way to track, support, or follow up with patients as medical records are non-existent. Very few tools or supplies - even the basics.”
Despite the overwhelming obstacles, Roy found inspiration in the dedication and love shown by the hospital staff. “You don’t turn a blind eye. You have to believe and make peace with the fact that we are not in control of most things, but there are always two things we are in control of: attitude and effort,” she said.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country since its independence in 2011, continues to struggle with poor infrastructure and a fragile healthcare system, heavily reliant on international aid. Marino Good Health remains committed to its partnership with Chukudum Hospital, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Geraldine Cabero emphasized their long-term goal: “We would love to see the day when Chukudum will no longer need the presence of an outside source. Until it reaches sustainable growth, we are happy to support the hospital within our means so long as we see ownership and accountability from everybody involved.”
For more information on Marino Good Health, visit their Instagram @marinogoodhealth or Facebook page. To help or donate, visit our website at marinogoodhealth.org
Established in 2019, the School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) is home to LMU’s PA program with a primary care focus at the main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, a PA program with a surgical focus at LMU-Knoxville, the online Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program, and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. The school supports the University’s mission of service to Appalachia and other underserved areas by maintaining high quality medical education and supporting student success.
