As a volunteer on the 2009 Medical Mission in Guatemala, I felt honored to join the team at Humanity Transplant and DOCARE because the people were an inspiration.

 

There were the doctors whose vast knowledge, expertise and caring bed-side-manner, guided all of us in providing high-level medical care for the local communities who otherwise would have no access to it.

There were the students and fellow volunteers who had a thirst for knowledge and a strong will to contribute. They worked hard, integrating their various skills to provide care for the locals and support for the doctors.

Then of course there were the gentle faces of the local people, whose smiles beamed with gratitude not only for receiving complex treatments but even for simple vitamins.

 

These people made the experience what it was.

 

I am an Australian Artist, living in Melbourne, but my family calls me the “Global Woman” because I love traveling. It’s my passion to visit other countries and share extraordinary experiences with like-minded people.  One of my favorite places is a small alpine village in Switzerland called Gimmelwald. I find inspiration for artwork while hiking there and always meet interesting people at the local Mountain Hostel. That’s where I first met Dr. Alan Schalscha. A very inspiring man and someone I’m proud to call my friend.

 

It was during that visit to Switzerland that he initially encouraged me to participate as a volunteer on a medical mission with Humanity Transplant and DOCARE.

I had worked as a volunteer Art Therapist with refugees who came to Australia to escape the torture & trauma they experienced in their own countries. As their English wasn’t good, we helped them communicate their stories through art. Their images were particularly powerful, stronger than words of course, and our exhibitions had a huge impact on the community. We were not only able to increase public awareness and support our argument for greater financial assistance from the Government, but we were able to help the refugees move past the haunting atrocities inflicted upon them.

 

When I was considering joining the mission with Humanity Transplant and DOCARE, I was nervous at the idea because even though I was very interested in volunteering again, I had no formal medical training and didn’t want to let the team down.  

Dr. Schalscha reassured me that my will to help the medical team and the local community, was a valuable asset in itself.

 

I will forever be grateful for that opportunity. Participating in that mission enriched my life immeasurably.

 

It takes a unique group of people to form a team of incredibly devoted individuals whose  determination to make a difference is so moving that it inspires others to join them in working hard, often in poor conditions, giving their time and money. It also takes a unique group of people to stay positive when there is so much devastation. To be able to learn from the local communities who appreciate every little blessing because they have very little.

 

The people working for Humanity Transplant and DOCARE are unique. They remember to stay good-humoured within the serious work which somehow makes all that effort a pleasure.