Physical Health Colombia Project #4025

Give Prostheses to 35 Maimed Colombian War Victims

by United for Colombia

Give Prostheses to 35 Maimed Colombian War Victims

Project Report | Mar 26, 2026
Every Step Tells a Story of Resilience!

By Claudia Estrada | Executive Director

On March 15, the streets of Medellín became a powerful space of hope and transformation. A group of 30 beneficiaries from United for Colombia, including both children and adults, participated in the Corre por Amor race as part of their integral rehabilitation journey.

All of them share a common reality: they are survivors of landmines. Yet on this day, they were not defined by their past, but by their strength, determination, and ability to move forward.

For many, crossing the finish line was more than completing a race, it was a symbol of healing, independence, and new possibilities.

These events go beyond sport. They bring together beneficiaries and volunteers, creating meaningful connections and strengthening a shared commitment to inclusion. Along the course, our participants inspired fellow runners and helped raise awareness about the realities faced by landmine survivors.

Because of your support, these moments are possible. You are not only helping our beneficiaries walk again, you are helping them move forward with dignity, confidence, and hope.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Links:

See the impact of your support

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Dec 4, 2025
Changing Destinies Through Rehab & Innovation

By Claudia Estrada | Executive Director

Colombian Physicians Trained at Mayo Clinic

Overview

At United for Colombia, we believe that solidarity has the power to change destinies. For more than 20 years, our mission has focused on helping landmine survivors in Colombia regain their mobility, independence, and long-term well-being.

Program Impact

Over the past two decades, United for Colombia has:

Supported more than 1,000 medical treatments for 886 landmine survivors.
Trained 64 Colombian physicians at Mayo Clinic in the United States, strengthening national medical capacity for trauma and rehabilitation care.
Provided comprehensive rehabilitation, including prosthetic adaptation, physical and psychological therapy, and vocational guidance to support survivors as they rebuild their lives.

Prosthetic Innovation Project

One of our key initiatives is the Prosthetic Innovation Project, developed in partnership with Más Capacidad.
Through this effort, we have:

Manufactured over 60 prosthetic liners in Medellín.
Reduced production and treatment costs.
Expanded access to prosthetic services.
Improved comfort, mobility, and autonomy for our beneficiaries.

This project continues to play a critical role in increasing efficiency and extending the reach of our rehabilitation programs.

Beneficiary Highlights

While our work impacts hundreds of individuals each year, the following stories illustrate the human side of our mission:

Yonni Yoani, age 11, lost his leg as a baby. Since 2023, we have supported his ongoing rehabilitation and assisted his family’s relocation to Medellín to ensure consistent access to treatment and a full, healthy childhood.
Edwin Matiz, who lost his hand to a landmine as a child, found renewed purpose through sport. With a cycling-adapted prosthesis provided through our program, he has represented Colombia at the Paralympic Games in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris, earning a bronze medal and several Paralympic diplomas.

Their resilience exemplifies the determination of the hundreds of survivors we serve every year.

Sports and Inclusion Initiatives

Sports continue to be a powerful tool for rehabilitation, confidence-building, and community inclusion. This year, United for Colombia:

Supported our para-athlete team’s participation in Colombia’s major running events.
Sponsored the Héroes de Vida team at the national sitting volleyball championship in Bogotá.
Continued our support for the Goalball Team of Antioquia, a sport specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments.

These initiatives foster empowerment, teamwork, and social inclusion for survivors across the country.

Looking Forward

Every achievement, every new step, and every restored dream reminds us why this work matters:
behind each milestone is a life beginning again.

With continued support from GlobalGiving and its donors, we remain committed to transforming the lives of landmine survivors in Colombia through access to medical care, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and community inclusion.

Together, we can continue changing lives.

Training That Transforms Lives

Edwin: Strength in Motion

Yonni: A Joyful New Beginning

Strength and Unity in Every Step

Stronger Together at the Starting Line

Links:

Our Impact: Transforming Lives

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Aug 8, 2025
United in Every Step!

By Claudia Estrada | Executive Director

A Celebration of Resilience, Unity, and Hope

On July 27, 2025, the streets of Bogotá were filled with determination, unity, and hope as United for Colombia proudly participated in the Bogotá Half Marathon (MMB). Our team of 40 inspiring athletes, including visually impaired runners, handcyclists, wheelchair users, and participants running with crutches proved that no challenge is too great when faced together.

This year’s event was especially meaningful because the children and family members of our beneficiaries ran alongside them. It was not just a race, it was a shared journey of resilience.Together, they transformed the marathon into a celebration of life, perseverance, and love.

Every step carried powerful stories. Many of our participants have endured life-changing injuries, including those caused by landmines and armed conflict. Yet, on this day, they were not defined by their injuries, they were defined by their strength. Families stood proudly beside them, matching their pace, offering encouragement, and crossing the finish line together as one.

The energy of the crowd, the smiles, and the emotional embraces at the end made it clear: this was more than a sporting event. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at United for Colombia: to restore dignity, rebuild dreams, and strengthen the bonds between our beneficiaries and their loved ones.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, this unforgettable day showcased that inclusion and perseverance can transform lives.Together, we crossed the finish line. Together, we move forward.

A Reunion Full of Smiles and Meaning

Laura's Strength Shines Through

Alexa at the Finish Line, Power and Pride

True Teamwork in Motion

Harlen: Strength and Purpose at the Finish Line

Links:

United for Colombia at the Bogota Half Marathon 2025

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