Elephant Aware USA., Inc

The Cowell Family and their good friend and supporter Anthony Edwards along with Elephant Aware USA are appealing for your financial support of Elizabeth Cowell (Betsy), who is currently receiving ongoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, after a major abdominal surgery in December and many setbacks since then.

Anthony Edwards writes, "Over the almost 20 years that I have been friends with the Cowells I have witnessed in awe their commitment to protecting wild life and integrating native communities to achieve mutual survival. The selfless work has made an enormous difference. In this time of medical challenge for Betsy I hope to gather as many friends and supporters of the Cowells to chip in with whatever is possible to help them over this bump in the road. In talking with Will I realized there is a great sense of pride and it is difficult to ask for help. I shared with him that when so much good will has been put out into the universe it is more than okay to pause and ask for help. I know that so many of us have witnessed the grace of Betsy and we share in the feeling of good fortune to be of service. Please give any amount. None too small and all will go to supporting this beautiful family. Sincerely Anthony Edwards"

Elizabeth's continuing treatment is life saving and her road to recovery will take time. Kenya's health care is a 'pay as you go' system and the best treatments for Elizabeth's recovery will be expensive.

Elizabeth is loved by all who know her on a personal level, and she is an incredible conservationist in Kenya. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her life to safeguarding a future for elephants and other wildlife in the Mara ecosystem. She has significantly improved the lives of communities living with wildlife in many ways and initiated and currently manages a scholarship fund for young girls from Maasai communities.

A message from the Cowell Family, “As we navigate this difficult time, we’re doing everything we can to support Elizabeth through her recovery. The medical costs are significant, and we are trying to manage them while also providing her with the best care possible. For those who have kindly expressed an interest in offering support, we have set up this way to contribute if you wish. Any help would be deeply appreciated. We are so grateful for your kindness during this challenging period. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to send a message to Elizabeth. While she is unable to respond directly at the moment, your thoughts and prayers are more than appreciated. Thank you so much for your love and support. It means the world to all of us. Heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude, The Cowell Family”

A message from Elephant Aware USA: "Please contribute whatever amount you can afford, it is so much appreciated. Elizabeth's contributions to the conservation of wildlife and to the improvement of the lives of the local community are significant and integral to Elephant Aware Masai Mara. She is beloved by her family, the Team and all who have met her. Won't you please help? Thank you. Therese Desmond, President, Elephant Aware USA.

So far we have raised $3700 towards our goal, won't you please consider donating today? The need for drinking water is critical! The 25-member team that manage the Elephant Aware Conservation Project in southern Kenya has lived and worked in a tented camp without a source of running water for the past 15 years. Every 2-3 days, one team member travels to a spring to fill jugs with enough water to support their needs for drinking, cooking, showering, cleaning, etc. Due to the ever-increasing dry conditions of this area of the Mara, this manner of delivering water to the camp is coming to an end. It is becoming extremely difficult to access groundwater during dry seasons, and the camp’s rainwater catchment tanks are often empty.

A recent hydrologist’s study has shown that a nearby aquifer will most likely provide a consistent source of clean water year-round. It is now possible to access this aquifer and pipe and pump water that will meet the team’s needs and the needs of the wildlife in the area. Any overflow of water would be returned to the spring to be used by wildlife.

The estimate to build this project is $5,000-6,000. Can you help? Every dollar you donate will be set aside for this project.

We, the U.S.-based nonprofit supporting the efforts of the Elephant Aware Team in Kenya, ask for your support for their important mission. Elephant Aware Masai Mara is doing amazing work, and they are totally dedicated to preserving the wildlife and wildlands of this area of Africa. Please visit our website at https://elephantawareusa.org to learn more about the work they do. All donations are tax-deductible.

Sincerely,

Elephant Aware Team USA:

Therese Desmond

James E. Katz, M.D.

Andrea Zeren, Ph.D.

David Selden