In September 1999, Robert Cacicedo and Marc Bohland met a young Cuban physician in their work at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Eddie Marcial had escaped from Cuba with two other physicians —  both of whom, sadly, drowned crossing the straits of Florida in inner tubes. Dr. Marcial was rescued and continues to practice medicine in the U.S.

Bob and Marc later agreed to travel to Cuba on Dr. Marcial's behalf to 
bring supplies to his family in Havana. That first trip was the 
genesis of First-Hand Aid. Their exposure to the extreme need for 
medical necessities was overwhelming and motivating.

 From very modest initial efforts to make more trips, bring more 
medical supplies, involve more travelers, and connect with more people 
in Havana, First-Hand Aid has now grown into a well-organized effort 
to bring directly and personally delivered aid to the people of Cuba. 
Free of any political agenda, First-Hand Aid is now licensed for our 
trips by the U. S. Treasury Department and the U. S. Commerce 
Department. Volunteer travelers serve as human vehicles for 
transporting medical supplies and aid, and deep relationships are 
formed.

LIves are being transformed in Cuba with each trip... thanks to a trip 
made on an inner tube by a courageous doctor.

READ MARC BOHLAND'S PROFILE IN THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Watch First-Hand Aid Video

Caribbean Medical and Humanitarian Relief Corporation is the non-profit of record, doing business as (dba) First-Hand Aid.