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Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently visited Centro Sonrisas de Heroes in Santiago, Chile, a care center for children with terminal illnesses and complex disabilities. During his visit on June 13, 2025, Elder Stevenson shared a message inspired by scripture: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated two vans to assist with transportation challenges faced by families whose children use wheelchairs. This donation was warmly received by Camila Tapia, mother to Esperanza, who expressed her gratitude: “Thanks to this donation, people like me who live far away will now have better access to the center.”
For three years, the Church has collaborated with Centro Sonrisas de Heroes through various donations including mobile dental equipment and therapy resources. Sandra Corrales, director of the center, acknowledged both physical contributions and emotional support from the Church: “Love, care, and respect — those can’t be bought.” She hopes for continued collaboration to honor these children as “the true heroes of Chile.”
Wade Katchner and his wife Vicky serve as humanitarian missionaries for the Church in Chile. Wade reflected on their mission’s alignment with Christian teachings: “This is what Christ would do if He were here...to succor the weak...and strengthen the feeble knees.” Elder Stevenson echoed this sentiment regarding their work at the center.
Sandra Corrales founded Centro Sonrisas de Heroes following a transformative experience involving a young boy named Albán Guerrero. After recurring dreams about a child in need led her to donate her medals at a hospital, she met Albán who declared himself "a champion." This encounter motivated Sandra to dedicate herself to supporting children without state or family assistance.
The recent donation of vans plays an essential role in sustaining this mission by improving accessibility for vulnerable children. As Sandra noted: “The van means reaching their homes,” emphasizing its importance for allowing these children "to continue being children."
