Dr. Enrique Fernando Chapetón Ramirez: A eulogy for a remarkable life.
Today, we honor the life of a man who was not just a healer of bodies, but also of souls. My husband, the founder and father of Project Ixcanaan, was a man of unparalleled courage, compassion, and vision.
Enrique saw need where others saw impossibility, and he answered it with action. Long before the clinic became a cornerstone of our community, it was just an idea, a dream he dared to make real. With nothing but determination, love, and an unshakable belief in the dignity of every human being, he began the free medical clinic. For him, it wasn’t just about treating illness; it was about restoring hope.
In his work, he embodied everything we could aspire to be. He didn’t see barriers—only opportunities to serve. When someone came through the doors of the clinic, they were met not just with medical care, but with respect, kindness, and the assurance that their life mattered. He worked tirelessly, often late into the night, giving his heart to each patient.
But his legacy extends beyond the walls of the clinic. Project Ixcanaan, his vision, became something greater than even he could have imagined. It grew into a beacon of light for this community, addressing not only physical health but education, well-being, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
To me, he was not just a doctor, not just the founder of something extraordinary—he was my partner, my anchor, and the father of this dream that will continue to ripple through generations. His love for this community was as boundless as the love he had for his family.
Though he has left us, his spirit lives on in every life he touched, in every act of kindness inspired by his example, and in every heartbeat of Project Ixcanaan. Let us carry his legacy forward by continuing to believe in the power of compassion, by daring to do what seems impossible, and by always choosing love over fear.
Thank you, my love, for everything.
You will always be my light,
Anne