Kay's Medical Service Trip

Hello!  For those of you that don't know me, my name is Kay Downey-Wall.  I am a recent graduate from North Carolina State University.  Over the past four years in college, I found my passion in working with kids and medicine, finding every opportunity to connect the two through service trips and several outreach programs. This summer I have the opportunity to go to Tanzania for a month to volunteer in a hospital treating pediatric cancer patients. This trip is a stepping stone to my larger goal to attend medical school, and some day become a pediatric oncologist. I will be working with Dr. Schroeder M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Duke Hospital, to increase patient adherence to cancer treatments in Tanzania. Currently, many of the individuals that are diagnosed with cancer in Africa have difficulty adhering to the treatment plans designed for them. This stems from several factors such as the lack of funding and education, cultural norms, and political views. 

 

In the past two years of her work in Tanzania, Dr. Schroeder has increased the number of patients treated of cancer. What’s more, her research is crucial for implementing health initiatives  and improving care access in lower income areas.

 

The purpose of this GoFund me page is to raise the funds necessary to make this trip. While I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity, the travel costs are quite expensive. I am hopeful that with my summer wages and your generous support I will be able to cover my costs.  If I am so lucky enough as to reach my fundraising goal, excess funds will be spent on much needed medication and supplies for the clinic.

 

Finally, I encourage you to follow my journey at kayintanzania.wordpress.com!