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Hi everyone!
Who am I?
My name is Asher Freund. I am a high school student from the SF Bay Area, at The Branson School. My passions are music, writing, and science.
What's my project all about?
This summer I’m extremely excited to be in Argentina to volunteer in the health care system of Córdoba, 400 miles west of Buenos Aires. It is a chance to explore the medical field, assist in an under- resourced hospital system, make a difference in Argentinian lives, and form a connection with the culture of my heritage. I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen by Projects Abroad (see below for info) to do this service trip. Part of my commitment to this project includes raising the funds to pay for air fare, room and board, and the services of Projects Abroad which has a commitment to improving the health care system in Córdoba through providing hundreds of volunteer hours, education, and supplies to hospitals and clinics in the city and surrounding countryside.
Any amount you are able to donate will go toward a service project that will change many lives, including my own.
How your donation will change a life:
This is by far the most educational and inspirational experience of my life to date. For as long as I can remember, part of me has longed to get in touch with Argentinian culture. Half of my genetic heritage is Argentinian because that is where my anonymous donor, whom I have never met was born and raised. Your donation will help me discover part of my biological roots and answer questions about my Argentinian heritage that I've had my entire life. You will also help under-resourced medical professionals care for people in need.
With one donation (however small), you will help me on my journey of discovery, and you will help people thousands of miles away receive the medical care they need.
About Projects Abroad:
Why Argentina?
There are several reasons why I'm passionate about spending a month in Argentina.
#1: I want to connect with, and learn about, the culture of Argentina--the culture of half my heritage.
#2: I am a Spanish student and passionate about becoming fluent in my donor's native language, the 3rd most spoken language in the world!
#3: As I near college, I want to experience international healthcare, a path I’m interested in following in my future.
How Cardiac Immune Disease, Tachychardia, and Leg Surgery Have Influenced My Decision to Pursue Medicine:
As an infant, I was diagnosed with a chronic heart disease called SVT (a form of tachycardia); I experienced countless hospital stays as a young child.
At the age of five, I was hospitalized for a cardiac-immune disorder, Kawasaki Syndrome, which caused deadly and debilitating inflammation in my heart and all over my body. Both of these diseases have since been treated. I underwent a catheter heart surgery to cure SVT when I was 11 and a half.
But it doesn't stop there! ;)
Last year, I broke my leg and needed to have a plate and 9 screws implanted. So, once again I found myself in the O.R. (sigh...). However, now that I was older (and so much wiser, lol) I was able to learn something from the experience. I found that the fear that I used to have in the hospital was now replaced by curiosity and inspiration about how medicine works.
It was clear that the nurses, doctors, and paramedics who cared for me were smart, kind, and passionate about the work they did. I hope to follow in the footsteps of the generous and brilliant professionals I've encountered in my own medical ordeals. I'm inspired to learn more!
How I'll use the donations:
$6200 is a lot of money to ask for, especially for a high school student trying to volunteer. To be honest, I was very reluctant to launch a crowdfunding campaign because it isn’t easy to ask for financial help! However, the chance to volunteer in Argentina is so important to me that I need to do everything in my power to make it happen.
So, it is important for me to explain exactly how your money will be used and how it's divided up. If I am lucky enough to fulfill my goal, the money will be sent to Projects Abroad, who is the organizer of my stay. The $6200 goes directly to Projects Abroad where they use it to pay for my living expenses, the host family, project administration, and travel expenses; any additional money helps pay for my airfare and donations to the underfunded programs in Argentina where I will work. Please see the chart below for more details, and I'm happy to provide you with even more information if you'd like to personally email me at [email redacted].
This means more to me than you can imagine.
There is nothing I can do to truly pay you back for making this project possible. However, I plan to keep a digital journal during my internship including photos, videos, and written entries--so that you can experience the trip with me and see the impact and results of your donation. Also, if you are familiar with the Córdoba area, please suggest any spots you'd like me to check out. I'll make sure to write a detailed account of the experience.
I cannot do this volunteer work without your support, and I am forever grateful for every donation.
Thank you for your love and generosity,
Asher
Who am I?
My name is Asher Freund. I am a high school student from the SF Bay Area, at The Branson School. My passions are music, writing, and science.
What's my project all about?
This summer I’m extremely excited to be in Argentina to volunteer in the health care system of Córdoba, 400 miles west of Buenos Aires. It is a chance to explore the medical field, assist in an under- resourced hospital system, make a difference in Argentinian lives, and form a connection with the culture of my heritage. I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen by Projects Abroad (see below for info) to do this service trip. Part of my commitment to this project includes raising the funds to pay for air fare, room and board, and the services of Projects Abroad which has a commitment to improving the health care system in Córdoba through providing hundreds of volunteer hours, education, and supplies to hospitals and clinics in the city and surrounding countryside.
Any amount you are able to donate will go toward a service project that will change many lives, including my own.
How your donation will change a life:
This is by far the most educational and inspirational experience of my life to date. For as long as I can remember, part of me has longed to get in touch with Argentinian culture. Half of my genetic heritage is Argentinian because that is where my anonymous donor, whom I have never met was born and raised. Your donation will help me discover part of my biological roots and answer questions about my Argentinian heritage that I've had my entire life. You will also help under-resourced medical professionals care for people in need.
With one donation (however small), you will help me on my journey of discovery, and you will help people thousands of miles away receive the medical care they need.
About Projects Abroad:
Why Argentina?
There are several reasons why I'm passionate about spending a month in Argentina.
#1: I want to connect with, and learn about, the culture of Argentina--the culture of half my heritage.
#2: I am a Spanish student and passionate about becoming fluent in my donor's native language, the 3rd most spoken language in the world!
#3: As I near college, I want to experience international healthcare, a path I’m interested in following in my future.
How Cardiac Immune Disease, Tachychardia, and Leg Surgery Have Influenced My Decision to Pursue Medicine:
As an infant, I was diagnosed with a chronic heart disease called SVT (a form of tachycardia); I experienced countless hospital stays as a young child.
At the age of five, I was hospitalized for a cardiac-immune disorder, Kawasaki Syndrome, which caused deadly and debilitating inflammation in my heart and all over my body. Both of these diseases have since been treated. I underwent a catheter heart surgery to cure SVT when I was 11 and a half.
But it doesn't stop there! ;)
Last year, I broke my leg and needed to have a plate and 9 screws implanted. So, once again I found myself in the O.R. (sigh...). However, now that I was older (and so much wiser, lol) I was able to learn something from the experience. I found that the fear that I used to have in the hospital was now replaced by curiosity and inspiration about how medicine works.
It was clear that the nurses, doctors, and paramedics who cared for me were smart, kind, and passionate about the work they did. I hope to follow in the footsteps of the generous and brilliant professionals I've encountered in my own medical ordeals. I'm inspired to learn more!
How I'll use the donations:
$6200 is a lot of money to ask for, especially for a high school student trying to volunteer. To be honest, I was very reluctant to launch a crowdfunding campaign because it isn’t easy to ask for financial help! However, the chance to volunteer in Argentina is so important to me that I need to do everything in my power to make it happen.
So, it is important for me to explain exactly how your money will be used and how it's divided up. If I am lucky enough to fulfill my goal, the money will be sent to Projects Abroad, who is the organizer of my stay. The $6200 goes directly to Projects Abroad where they use it to pay for my living expenses, the host family, project administration, and travel expenses; any additional money helps pay for my airfare and donations to the underfunded programs in Argentina where I will work. Please see the chart below for more details, and I'm happy to provide you with even more information if you'd like to personally email me at [email redacted].
This means more to me than you can imagine.
There is nothing I can do to truly pay you back for making this project possible. However, I plan to keep a digital journal during my internship including photos, videos, and written entries--so that you can experience the trip with me and see the impact and results of your donation. Also, if you are familiar with the Córdoba area, please suggest any spots you'd like me to check out. I'll make sure to write a detailed account of the experience.
I cannot do this volunteer work without your support, and I am forever grateful for every donation.
Thank you for your love and generosity,
Asher