During the second week of our 2012 Mobile Clinics in Lima, we spoke with sophomore Charlotte Groch -- one of the students who was most successful in utilizing MEDLIFE's 50:50 campaign to fundraise towards her participation fees and to contribute to the MEDLIFE Mission Fund.
Charlotte was delighted to share how her experience has impacted her thus far: "It's been amazing! I really enjoy being able to shadow the doctors, particularly the OB/GYN, which is a field where [in the U.S.] normally there is less access. For me that was really inspirational and probably will dictate some further decisions I have to make down the road about my career choices."
Her involvement with MEDLIFE began when an informative email from the organization was sent out to members of her pre-health profession club at Macalester and sparked her interest. "I looked at it and thought -- this sounds perfect for me," she said. After researching our website and listening to other student's stories, she knew that it would be the most useful way to spend her winter break.
The 50:50 Campaign was presented to her in another email she received shortly after registering with MEDLIFE. "It sounded like a great way to help me in my desire to travel, do community service, and help out with a non-profit that seemed to be doing really sustainable work. It's not just for me; it also helps out the organization at the same time."
Charlotte attributes the success of her campaign to her sincerity with donors:
"Basically, I was just really honest with the people that I asked to donate money," she says. "I explained what MEDLIFE does and the impact the NGO is making in small communities, including how they supply medical care sustainably and are not just giving it away."
"I also explained that it wouldn't be a one-time thing -- that it would continue on into the future by helping communities become more health-aware and by educating them about prevention."
When asked if she would recommend MEDLIFE volunteer programs to other students, she barely let me finish asking the question and interrupted with an enthusiastic "Yes, absolutely!"
"I think it's perfect for people who have an open-mind and who are willing to put themselves in an uncomfortable position with a language they may not know very well. I think if someone is genuinely interested in public health, it's really important to get the hands-on experience -- where you are side-by-side with a doctor watching them do what they do. It will help either confirm or make you second-guess whether you're cut out for it."
UPDATE (Feb. 21, 2012):
In addition to the great work that was done during Charlotte's mobile clinic, the funds she raised went directly to MEDLIFE's Mission Fund -- the fund that supports the overall operational expenses associated with providing medicine, education, and development to communities in need.
MEDLIFE chose to dedicate Charlotte's specific fundraising campaign to the construction of a new staircase in the community of Torre de Minas in Pamplona Alta of Lima, Peru. The funds Charlotte raised for MEDLIFE were donated towards the material and labor costs associated with building the stairs, helping to make this project a reality.
On Sunday, February 12th of 2012 we were present for the inauguration of the staircase to document and join in the celebration:
A large group of about 100 community members and neighbors from surrounding areas came to partake in the occasion.
After the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle to iniciate the ceremony, community leaders and residents gave formal speeches expressing gratitude for the completion of their new community project, as well as acknowledging everyone's hard efforts. Afterwards, we were treated to some delicious anticuchos (grilled skewered beef heart) with potatoes and creamy spicy pepper sauce.
The community continued celebrating well into the night and the new staircase was put to good use on its first day.
