Help Coral James Become a Doctor in Africa

Hello! My name is Coral, and I’m raising money to attend medical school so that I can be a doctor in Africa.

When I was twelve, I read the book Kisses from Katie, in which Katie Davis tells her story of moving to Uganda, adopting many young girls, and founding a program that brought hope to countless destitute people. As I read it, I felt a pull on my heart so intense it was almost physical. I had to do what she was doing. I had to live in Africa and help those who were suffering in ways I could not comprehend.

My first taste of that dream came during my senior year of high school on a mission trip to Entebbe, Uganda. I fell utterly in love with the place and the people, especially the children, and I was astounded at both their poverty and their joy.

Then, last year, I had the privilege of spending nearly six months volunteering with an organization called MissionGO in Mokanji, Sierra Leone, West Africa. This experience left an imprint on my heart that will never be erased. Both the relationships I built with the beautiful people there, and the immense poverty and suffering I saw every day, amplified my longing to serve as a doctor in Africa.

One day on this trip, a nurse and I met a very sick young boy in a village without a doctor. We struggled to discern what might be causing his condition and sent him to medical personnel who could help him further. Later, we learned that his condition would have killed him if left untreated.

That day in the village, I felt frustrated that I was not yet a doctor.

But now, I am taking the next big step in that journey: as of this fall, I am attending medical school at the University of California at Riverside! I have worked hard to get here, but there is one big obstacle in my way: tuition.

Medical school is very expensive, and as an independent young adult, I don’t have the funds for it. This leaves me needing to take out loans, but serving abroad as a missionary doctor will not provide the income to repay them. That means I will not be able to fulfill my dream of helping the poor in Africa for the many years it will take me to pay off my debt.

That’s where you can help. Will you consider donating $20, $100, or any other amount to help me through medical school? My goal of $50,000 will cover my tuition, books and supplies for my first year. Any donation you are able to make, large or small, will mean the world to me.

Please also consider sharing this GoFundMe on social media or with any family, friends, coworkers, church members, etc. who might be interested in helping me fulfill this calling.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and consider supporting me!