Our story

Conceived in the abyss of pain, and developed with deep love for humanity, APROQUEN was founded in 1991 by Vivian Pellas, who, along with her husband, Carlos, survived to one of the worst airplane crashes in Central American aviation history.

The suffering and pain of the recuperation left Vivian with renewed compassion and personal empathy towards children suffering from burns and psychological strain. This led to the creation of a surgical medical center for the comprehensive and holistic care of burned children in Nicaragua

Key moments in APROQUEN’s history:

• 1991:

APROQUEN was established as a nonprofit under the goal of providing FREE medical services to children suffering from burns.

• 1993:

After two years, APROQUEN redesigned, built and equipped the first Burn Center in Nicaragua at the Fernando Velez Paiz public hospital where the medical team and nurses provided specialized services for 11 years.

• 2004:

APROQUEN opened its doors of its own burn center, with headquarters in Managua, Nicaragua. It is the first independent burn center with international quality standardsmanaged by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals that provide FREE, integral and holistic care.

Help us continue…
Turning Tears into Smiles

“FERVENT LOVE OF LIFE AWARD”

Chou Ta-Kuan Foundation of Taiwan, for the love, respect and for demonstrating the value of life and inspiring others to move on, 2016.

“CHILD ADVOCATES”

World Vision Nicaragua, gives the award for the significant contribution to the comprehensive well-being of Nicaraguan children with an emphasis on their tender protection, 2015.

HENRI DUNANT AWARD for Corporate Social Responsibility 2014

InterAmerican Institute for Democracy, 2014.

Integral Businesswoman

Consejo Empresarial de América Latina, CEAL, 2013.

Person of the Year

Consejo Superior de la Empresa Privada (COSEP), 2012

“Nicaragua is” Award

Citibank, Nicaragua, 2011.

THE GREAT CROSS OF MERIT PRO MALITENSI BY THE NICARAGUAN ASSOCIATION OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE SOVEREIGN MILITARY ORDER OF MALTA

Highest honor to a person, that is not a member of the order or a Head of State, 2010.

THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)

For her labor in the care of children and adolescents that suffer from burns, 2006.

PROCLAMATION OF “VIVIAN PELLAS DAY”

Bestowed by the Mayor of the City of Hialeah, Florida, Mr. Raúl L. Martínez. For the wonderful, protective work in favor of those who are suffering and for her capacity of “Converting Tears into Smiles.” 2002 2002.

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