Robert and Holly Groom

In Africa, the rate of heart disease is the highest in the world, and medical centers that can treat heart disease are scarce to nonexistent. This causes much suffering and premature death for many African people and their families.

Robert is a cardiovascular perfusionist; he operates the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery and has extensive leadership experience in cardiothoracic surgery. Holly is a retired school teacher. Robert and Holly have five grown children and three grandchildren. They live in Maine when they are in the United States.

Robert has been to Tenwek Hospital, in Bomet, Kenya, fifteen times on short-term assignments since 2012. These trips with cardiac teams have provided cardiac surgical treatment to over 150 patients.

Robert and Holly have a burden for those suffering from heart disease. They have been called to assist in the development of a new Cardiothoracic Treatment and Teaching Center at Tenwek Hospital.

Robert underwent open heart surgery in 2017, and knows what it is like to have a heart problem that requires open heart surgery. Moreover, he has experienced the heart-changing power of Jesus Christ and desires to be part of the team at Tenwek that serves to provide physical and spiritual healing.

Robert will establish cardiovascular training programs for Africans. He will also help with the coordination of cardiac teams coming to Tenwek Hospital for short-term missions. Together, Robert and Holly will be part of the Tenwek team—providing compassionate care and spiritual healing in the name of Jesus Christ.