As an RN at TRU Community Care’s Hospice Inpatient Unit, Justin Raff’s days are filled with opportunities to provide life-changing care, but for Justin, the transformative power of such service extends beyond the workplace. Every year, he volunteers as an operating room nurse with Uplift Internationale, a Colorado nonprofit, on a mission to the Philippines. Their goal? To perform cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries on pediatric patients in need.
Justin’s journey with Uplift Internationale began six years ago, sparked by a former colleague—a Filipino nurse—who introduced him to the organization. Since then, he has dedicated himself to this cause, embarking on his third trip with them this past January. Each trip is entirely self-funded; Justin takes precious time off from work and covers his travel expenses. This year, he created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his mission.
The impact of Uplift Internationale’s work is impressive. Beginning Sunday morning with patient screenings, the team works 14-hour days performing surgeries that are life-changing for the children and their families. Their roster comprises volunteer nurses, surgeons, doctors, and even non-clinical staff — the youngest of whom this year was 13-years-old. Together, they performed over 100 surgeries during the week.
The organization brings a high degree of service to their patients. Not only are all surgeries provided free of charge, but the organization also covers travel expenses for patients and their families. For those unable to undergo surgery immediately due to illness, Uplift ensures that they receive any necessary medication and arrange for future treatment at their permanent clinic in Manila.
In a society where cleft lips and palates are highly stigmatized, Uplift Internationale offers hope and acceptance. Justin recalls the poignant sight of children arriving at the hospital clutching makeshift coverings – washcloths and children’s blankets – for their condition, only to find these abandoned on the operating room floor after surgery—symbols of newfound confidence and freedom.
When asked if he would continue volunteering each year with Uplift Internationale, Justin replied, “Absolutely. Though I may take next year off to focus on my studies, this work is a
lifelong commitment for me.” Justin, who plans to pursue a doctorate of nursing practice at CU Anschutz this year, embodies the same spirit of service and compassion for patients and families at TRU Community Care. It’s no wonder that his work is also his passion.
But Uplift Internationale’s work doesn’t stop in the operating room. Volunteers like Justin also bring donated clothes, transforming hospital corridors into free shopping malls for patients and their families. Additionally, they distribute hundreds of pairs of donated reading glasses to those in need, further enhancing the impact of their mission.
When asked if he would continue volunteering each year with Uplift Internationale, Justin replied, “Absolutely. Though I may take next year off to focus on my studies, this work is a lifelong commitment for me.” Justin, who plans to pursue a doctorate of nursing practice at CU Anschutz this year, embodies the same spirit of service and compassion for patients and families at TRU Community Care. It’s no wonder that his work is also his passion.
