[debbieNP]

In July, I flew to Guatemala with my colleagues for a medical mission. Fifteen of us arrived in Guatemala City and left for the jungle. In the rush, we didn't realize we were missing 2 bags of medical supplies. We did not file a claim for the one I checked and paid $25 for the extra bag fee. We worked diligently caring for the poor and sick of Guatemala for a week. We ran short of supplies for cervical cancer screening as well as some of the medications. We turned women away who had come for screening.

Approximately six weeks after returning home, I was contacted that our bag was found. I picked it up at our local airport and was heartbroken to see it full of medical supplies and medications that were never delivered to the poor of Guatemala. We could have screened more women for cervical cancer and not turned them away. We would have had medication to treat more children.

At the very least, I felt I should be reimbursed for what I paid to have the bag fly down with me. I was informed that since a claim was never filed, I am NOT entitled to reimbursement for the fee I paid to check the bag. I was told that fee was to check the bag, which does NOT come with a guarantee that it will be delivered to the destination. Since the bag was checked, I got my money's worth, I guess. I was told that was the policy and there is no recourse. I was given no information on anyone else to contact.

The 2nd bag has yet to turn up.