When the doctor who cared for us needs our care

By Larry Scherwitz, PhD

Those of us who live in Cuenca know how fortunate we are to have physicians who truly listen—doctors who take time, think carefully, and treat us as whole human beings.

One of those doctors is Dr. Pablo Parra.

For more than 35 years, Dr. Parra has practiced internal medicine and pulmonology in Cuenca, serving both Ecuadorians and the North American expat community. Many of us know him as the physician who solves the difficult cases — the ones that linger without answers. I have personally brought several patients to Pablo after other doctors were unable to determine what was wrong. In every case, his careful attention led to a clear diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Dr. Pablo Parra

As a medical researcher who has studied physician–patient communication for many years, I can say without hesitation that Pablo is among the finest clinicians — and communicators — I have ever encountered.

Earlier this year, everything changed.

On March 25, 2025, Pablo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a life-threatening blood cancer. At the time of diagnosis, his condition was critical. He survived that first phase thanks to emergency blood donations from patients, friends, and family, and the skilled care of his oncology team in Cuenca. After months of chemotherapy, his cancer is currently under control.

But without a bone marrow transplant, his doctors have been clear: the leukemia is very likely to return — and when it does, survival is uncertain.

That transplant cannot be done in Ecuador.

To survive, Pablo must travel to Belgium, where his brother — also a physician — has coordinated an international donor search. Two compatible bone marrow donors have already been identified. Securing those donors is the first urgent step, at a cost of $40,000 USD.

Like many physicians who dedicate their lives to public service, Pablo has lived modestly. He does not have access to the resources required for advanced medical care abroad. His true wealth has always been his patients and the trust he has earned over decades.

This is one of those moments when community matters most.

How to help Dr. Parra
Dr. Pablo Parra urgently needs a bone marrow transplant to survive leukemia. The procedure is not available in Ecuador and must be done in Belgium.

Immediate goal: $40,000 USD
(to secure two compatible bone marrow donors)

Donate directly in Ecuador:
Banco del Pacífico
Cuenta de Ahorros No. 1071408045
Nombre: Pablo Parra Coronel
Cedula: 0300520871
SWIFT/ABBA Code: PACIECEG

All funds go directly to medical care.
Even small contributions make a difference.

International Transfer
1. Open your digital bank or paying system (PAYPAL_VENMO).
2. Enter your bank account number
3. Enter the code number of your bank
4. Choose function: MONEY TRANSFER.
5. Enter Pablo’s bank in Ecuador: BANCO DEL PACIFICO.
6. Enter the bank’s code SWIFT (ABBA): PACIECEG
7. Enter name of beneficiary: PABLO AGUSTIN PARRA CORONEL
8. Enter the bank account number of the beneficiary: 1071408045
9. Write the amount of money to be transferred
10. Confirm

For international transfers, add the number 100 next to the swift code. If it is not required, add xxx.

To use a Credit Card as Payment
These services let you pay with your U.S. credit card and send money to Ecuador — including direct bank deposits:

Recommended Platforms
Western Union – Pay with credit or debit card online/app, send to bank account in Ecuador. Western Union Money Transfer
Xoom (PayPal service) – Deposit directly into Ecuadorian bank accounts; fast and widely used. Xoom
WorldRemit – Accepts credit cards as payment and can deposit into bank accounts. WorldRemit
Ria Money Transfer – Pay with credit card and send to bank accounts or pickup locations. Ria Money Transfer
Paysend – Sends directly to bank accounts or Visa/Mastercard in Ecuador. Paysend
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Larry Scherwitz, PhD, is a medical researcher specializing in Lifestyle Medicine and the prevention and reversal of chronic disease. A longtime resident of San Francisco, he and his wife have lived in Cuenca for 11 years. Larry has been a close friend and patient of Dr. Pablo Parra for many years and is helping lead this community fundraising effort.