We are a family of international volunteers dedicated to the idea that all deserve the knowledge to live a healthy life.
Our Roots
LAUGHH is a diverse and dynamic team, made up of dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals from around the world. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences to our mission, allowing us to work collaboratively and effectively to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
2019 - 2022
Garden projects
In 2019, LAUGHH embarked on a new initiative to promote health and wellness through community gardens in underserved areas. Our first two garden projects were launched in Berlin and Los Santos, where we worked closely with local schools to educate children on the benefits of growing their own food and creating healthy recipes. By providing access to fresh, nutritious produce, we aimed to improve the health outcomes of these communities, while also fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency among students. The success of these garden projects has inspired us to expand our efforts in the coming years, as we continue to promote healthy living and education in underserved areas.
2013
First partnership
The group decided to go on another medical mission trip.
A charitable organization was needed to help drive this.
And so LAUGHH was chosen to be the organization to carry these missions forward. The first partnership was formed!
2004
Our beginnings
A group of healthcare folks joined together as a team for a surgical mission trip in Chulucanas, Peru. Deep friendships brought this group together once a year in different locations to participate in a community activity. From these trips, the founding members of LAUGHH emerged.
2015 – 2019
The missions continue
From 2015 until 2019, LAUGHH remained committed to its mission of providing medical care and education to underserved communities in Santander, Colombia.
2014
The first LAUHHH mission
The first medical mission trip took place in Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia. Much planning happened prior to this trip, as the group wanted this mission to be “different”. Many standard mission organizations go into a town, apply lots of ‘bandaids’ to medical problems, but time is limited. They are able to help with temporary fixes, but rarely address the cause and the cure.
Read more here.
2007
LAUGHH is created
Francie Stoner created an organization to help people get education to help them with life skills. She incorporated The LAUGHH Foundation, with LAUGHH as an acronym for “Live Abundantly Using Guided Helping Hands”. She knew that laughing causes the release of endorphins which bolster the immune system. The book The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer points out that when we see good, do good, or receive good, these same endorphins are released.
The LAUGHH organization was created to help people LAUGHH and get healthy – psychologically, medically, and physically!