| Be the change you want to see in this world. - Gandhi |
| I.�� Take a Stand |
| My name is Shafkat Anwar, and I would like to humbly offer my aid in a medical expedition to some individuals who may be able to derive benefit from my service. Noting the words of Mahatma Gandhi above, I hope to work towards establishing positive changes in the Himalayan village of Lingshed, where the need is great and change is necessary. I am currently a first-year medical student at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. This summer (2002), I am planning to embark on a medical expedition to the Himalayan village of Lingshed, where I plan to work as a part of a medical team to provide medical services to the inhabitants of this village. At this point in the world's history, we, as humanity, are standing at a crossroad. At this point in time, the world contains a nation richer than any other in history; rich in material wealth, in knowledge, and rich in potential.� Conversely, the world has seldom seen such disparities in wealth and standards of living as it exists today.� At this time, a call goes out to all of us with the ability to serve to give of ourselves to those who could benefit from our service.� In order to bring about positive change, I cannot act alone.� My two-year background with AmeriCorps, and my service as a Commissioner with the DC Commission on National and Community Service has allowed me to see the value of partnerships and collaborations, whereby the combined efforts of many helps bring about necessary change.� I need your support in "being the change." |
| This medical expedition to Lingshed is being supervised and coordinated by Dr. Glenn Geelhoed, professor surgery at The George Washington University.� Dr. Geelhoed is an accomplished physician and world traveller, and is also an experienced "medical missionary." For more information on Dr. Glennhoed, please visit his website related to International Medicine at www.gwu.edu/~intmeded.� This medical and dental camp expedition is being organized at the request of local health care providers in Linghsed to help meet medical and dental needs of the natives of Lingshed. Due to the remote location of this interior region, health care facilities for the inhabitants are extremely limited.� Team members of the medical expedition will travel into this Trans-Himalayan territory and offer our services. Team members will have access to the local clinic but use of supplies and medical equipment will be limited.� |
| Common health conditions in this Trans-Himalayan area are varied and pressing.� Some primary health concerns include: widespread malnutrition, substandard sanitation, and high incidences of respiratory infections, lung problems, hepatitis and anemia.� The infant mortality rate in 1998 was estimated at 80/1000, with maternity mortality at 4/1000.� Also prevalent in this area is the high rate of ophthalmic ailments, peptic ulcer, hypertension, diabetes and osteo-arthritis.� As all members of the medical expedition traveling to Lingshed provide their services on a voluntary basis, the cost of travel and other expenses associated with this mission are borne strictly by the team members.� It is at this juncture where help from sponsors become critically necessary.� As a medical student already encumbered by loans from undergraduate and graduate studies, it is exceedingly difficult for me to solely bear the expense.� With your sponsorship, I will be able to travel to Lingshed as a part of the medical team, and deliver needed services to those requiring the most support. |
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I. Take a Stand II. Meeting the Need III.Your Dollars Will Make the Diffeerence IV. PLEASE SPONSOR V. Sponsorship Information |
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| What makes me a suitable candidate for this mission? Find out here |