About Us
Barbara, George & Tanya Maryniak founded Project HANDS in 2006 with one premise: to empower those who, by chance of birth, have less fortunate lives than our own. It was an ambitious venture, fueled by their optimistic vision that the world could be a better place, and their commitment to do their part. This is our journey over time.
2013–2014: Expanding Our Work in Bolivia
Our journey next led us to Bolivia, where we focused our efforts on gynecological and urological surgery. These years were marked by a growing awareness of the systemic challenges facing women’s health in the region.
2006–2014: Reaching the Remote Corners of Guatemala
In our early years, we mobilized triage and surgical teams to some of the most isolated regions of Guatemala. There, we provided essential general, gynecological and burn-reconstruction surgeries to patients who otherwise had no access to surgical care. Each trip deepened our understanding of the need and strengthened our resolve to help.
2014–2019: The Birth of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)
During this time, we uncovered a devastating reality. Bolivia faced one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world, yet no national screening program existed. Confronted with this urgent need, we launched the Women’s Health Initiative. Through training programs for doctors and nurses, and by bringing screening directly into communities, we reached thousands of women across the country, opening the door to early detection, treatment, and hope.
2019: Expanding WHI to Myanmar
In 2019 our work took us to Myanmar. Recognizing the vital role that midwives play in remote, underserved communities, we launched a training program to enhance their skills in cervical cancer screening and treatment. By empowering midwives, we helped extend the reach of this life-saving program.
We soon learned that the most urgent need lay in the Myanmar refugee camps across the border in Thailand. Without hesitation, we followed the need—into the camps, where women had no access to cervical cancer screening and prevention.
2021 – 2024: WHI in Refugee Camps
2020 - 2025: The Physician Incentive Program – Pivoting with Purpose


The Physician Incentive Program was launched to strengthen local healthcare systems in rural Myanmar. By providing support, resources and incentives to dedicated physicians working in underserved regions, we helped ensure that essential health services would be available to those who would otherwise be left behind. This program marked a pivotal step, shifting from short-term intervention to sustainable, community-driven impact.
Our search for regions most in need of cervical cancer prevention took us to Africa—first to Ghana, and then to Liberia. There, we found communities facing significant barriers to screening and early detection. Our work expanded once again, guided by the same principle that has driven us from the beginning: go where the need is greatest and empower local partners to save lives.
2025: A New Focus on Africa
2026: Project HANDS Turns 20!
In 2026, we celebrate two decades of unwavering commitment and lives forever changed. What began small has grown into a global effort spanning continents, communities, and generations. And even after twenty years…
We’re not done yet.
Much work remains. Our journey continues, with the same spirit of compassion, humanity and optimism that started it all.
Project HANDS:
A Journey of Compassion and Impact