The FSM is a developing nation comprising of hundreds of tiny islands spread over thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean. The state of Chuuk consists of 40 island municipalities with transportation between them consisting of small open motor boats or rustic ferries.  Ferry service over open ocean runs on approximate biweekly schedules.  The only healthcare center is on the main island of Weno, and no doctors or registered nurses are located on any other island. There are no practicing Speech and Language Pathologists in the FSM.  The Chuuk lagoon spans about 36 miles and includes 17 inhabited islands. With the introduction of western and eastern diets and limited health literacy, non-communicable diseases have gone from near zero to some of the highest in the world per WHO, forcing residents, including entire families to leave their home islands to seek medical care on Weno, Guam, and Hawaii.  In addition to the geographic and resource challenges, the Pacific Islands have a unique culture that is neither western or eastern.  Sain Mamau is a small new non-profit that is funded entirely by single donors. 

Sain Mamau was founded by Pacific Islanders and possesses experienced leaderships, unique Pacific Islander cultural knowledge and understanding, and has already developed relationships and a framework to adress the cultural challenges. Some of it's Chuukese staff will be accompanying the team and local contacts have also been secured to work with this outreach.  The team will hand carry all supplies and equipment.  All equipment will have to be waterproof and battery or solar powered.  Travel will be by pick up on Weno, and open motor boat within the Chuuk lagoon.  The outer islands will not be visited this trip due to transportation and time constraints. Because no hotels exist on islands outside Weno, the team will make day trips to and from islands within the lagoon.  Sain Mamau is stepping out in faith believing God will provide the funds necessary to complete the trip through donations from likeminded individuals.