This fundraiser has been organized in collaboration with Nellie Smith and all proceeds will go toward her cause. The following is her appeal to her friends and family, thank you!
Dear friends,
From the moment I can remember, children were the center of my world. There was something about their innocence and vulnerability that drew me in, and I knew that they were the population I would always gravitate towards. The ones who couldn't fight for themselves, who needed a voice, a protector.
Becoming a nurse was never just a career choice for me; it was a calling, a way to equip myself with the tools to stand up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves. That's why when I learned about Mercy Ships, an organization providing essential care to children who lacked access to it, I felt a deep resonance.
My connection with Mercy Ships has been lifelong, a journey that began back in college. I vividly recall the moment I heard about their mission to bring healthcare to underserved regions in Africa, especially to children who desperately needed it. I was the first nurse in my family, and my inspiration to enter this field came from my parents' living example of servant leadership and dedication to supporting their local community.
What truly sets Mercy Ships apart is the collective spirit of everyone involved. Unlike the hospitals we're accustomed to in the Western world, where work can sometimes feel like just a job and a paycheck, the providers at Mercy Ships are there because they genuinely want to be. It's a global congregation of like-minded souls, united by a shared desire to serve.
As nurses, we're trained to be tireless advocates for our patients, and when you're a volunteer, your entire focus is on the patient and their well-being. Serving on Mercy Ships will allow me to remove the distractions of the modern workplace and immerse myself directly into the developing nation of Sierra Leone. It strips away the outside noise and allows you to exist as a provider, with the singular goal of helping the patient. It's not about bureaucracy or paperwork; it's about delivering care where it's needed most.
The part of my job that keeps me energized is the connections I forge with the children. Their eyes light up, the visible relief they express, and the lessons I've gleaned from their unyielding optimism amid adversity—all of this is profoundly humbling. Children possess a resilience that frequently exceeds that of adults, and their capacity to maintain positivity even when faced with formidable challenges serves as a remarkable wellspring of inspiration.
Your generous donations will allow me to participate in this life-changing humanitarian work. The contributions go towards funding essential aspects like flights, vaccinations, trip preparation, a two-month living stipend, and health and international travel insurance.
I encourage you to visit the Mercy Ships website at www.mercyships.org
Together, we can be a part of something much greater than ourselves, making a lasting change in the lives of children who need our help the most. Thank you so much for your donation- I look forward to keeping you updated about my journey.
Be well,
Nellie Smith- RN
