For years, one Syracuse church has held dear its bond with a church in Haiti, and its most recent medical mission has made a lasting impact on that Haitian community. 

In October, the Church of St. Michael and St. Peter in Syracuse held its annual book sale to raise money for its sister church in Chauffard, Haiti. Each year, members travel to Haiti as a part of their medical mission.

After a week-long trip, this year's medical mission group has returned. They spent their days tending to the medical needs of more than a thousand residents. The church also joined the community in opening the area's first medical clinic. 

Members of the mission say it was exciting to see the response they recieved from residents and were honored to help them.

"It's just awesome to be able to go and serve a community like that that really has nothing, and treat that many people in a few days and just know that we changed lives," said Kathleen McDonnell, a nurse practitioner. "We didn't make a difference for everybody and we certainly didn't cure the situation there, but to go and have the opportunity to touch as many lives as we could and try to better their lives and also try to gather data so that we can make and conitnue to mkae their lives better."

The Church of St. Michael and St. Peter also supports the Chauffard community's school lunch program and teachers' pay. Anyone wishing to donate can mail payments to "Haiti Fund" c/o The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4782 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215, or contact Kate McMahon at (315) 492-2378.