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Our Story
APROQUEN, founded in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) organization and originally inspired by the name Asociación Pro Niños Quemados de Nicaragua (The Association for Burned Children of Nicaragua) began with a focus on burn care in Nicaragua. While grounded in this initial mission, APROQUEN has since charted its own course, dedicated to providing philanthropic support to children vulnerable to or suffering from burns and/or cleft lip and palate across Latin America.
Our founder, Vivian Pellas, embarked on a transformative journey, turning her own pain into a purpose of aiding suffering children. In 1989, a commercial airliner crashed into the mountains of Honduras, with only 11 survivors, including Vivian and her husband. Despite enduring severe burns and numerous surgeries, Vivian never considered herself a victim; rather, she viewed the event as a fortunate tragedy. “Every day,” she recalls, “I set a goal, determined to redouble my efforts to alleviate the suffering of thousands of children, who, like me, were experiencing the horror of burns.” This steadfast dedication led her to establish Asociación Pro Niños Quemados de Nicaragua in Nicaragua in 1991, providing over 693,000 health services to children at no cost.
As an independent entity based in the U.S., APROQUEN has built on the foundations laid in Nicaragua, enhancing our reach through funding for medical mission trainings, burn prevention programs, and comprehensive treatment for children suffering from burns and cleft lip and palate throughout Latin America. Vivian’s story continues to inspire hope and demonstrates the transformative power of converting personal pain into a force for positive change. Reflecting on her motivations, Vivian shares, “I began to perceive life differently. My purpose was to spread hope and light, convinced that human beings can achieve positive outcomes and turn negative events into life-enhancing experiences.”
Key Milestones In APROQUEN'S History
- 2002
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2010
- 2012
- 2016
- 2017
- 2021
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APROQUEN Inc US established as 501 C 3
APROQUEN Inc US established as 501 C 3 -
APROQUEN First Rehab
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua’s first rehabilitation clinic, the second in Latin America, was opened to provide free world-class medical care for children suffering from burns. -
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua’s focus
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua’s focus and knowledge base about the integrated care that burn victims require led the organization to create a regional program inclusive of training and educational activities throughout Central America and the Caribbean including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. -
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua Burn Center
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua opened the doors of its burn center, based in Managua, Nicaragua. It is the first stand-alone burn center with international quality standards managed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals providing free, comprehensive, and holistic care. -
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua Expands
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua expanded its mission to provide comprehensive care and support to patients with cleft and lip palate, replicating its model of care for burn survivors. -
APROQUEN Recognition
Asociación Pro-Niños Quemados de Nicaragua’s received recognition from the World Health Organization for its excellence in burn care and its contributions to improving the health and well-being of burn victims in Nicaragua. -
APROQUEN Partnership
APROQUEN formed a partnership with Smile Train, the largest cleft-focused organization in the world. -
Burn Prevention Program
Burn Prevention Program financed by Puma Energy Foundation. -
Vivian’s Book
Launch of Vivian Pellas’s book, Turning Tears into Smiles, an autobiography.
How We Help
Awards and Recognition
APROQUEN has been recognized internationally for humanitarian work with its children and families.
2022
Keynote Speaker at Commitment Summit in Costa Rica
2018
AID FOR LIFE Award from the Italian National Olympic Committee
2016
World of Children Founder's Award
2015
Children's Medical Ventures International Award
2015
Soroptimist International Making a Difference for Women Award
2014
Henri Dunant Award for Corporate Social Responsibility by the Interamerican Institute for Democracy
2013
Integral Entrepreneur Award from the Latin American Business Council
2012
World of Children Health Award
2006
Recognition by the United Nations Funds for Children (UNICEF), Nicaragua
1999
Servitor Pacis, given by Path to Peace Foundation, Permanente Observer Mision of the Holy See to the United Nations

Vivian Pellas
Our Founder
Reports
We appreciate the distinct expressions of love that allow us to continue Turning Tears into Smiles.
Media
We appreciate the distinct expressions of love that allow us to continue Turning Tears into Smiles.