Please Help Me Cross The Finish Line In Medical School

Hello!!

My name is Shanice Oduro, and I am a second-year medical student at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine in the Cayman Islands. I am deeply passionate about healthcare, making a meaningful impact, and mentoring others. My dedication to these values is demonstrated through my involvement with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at St. Matthew’s University, where I served as the Social Media and Event Coordinator. As part of this role, I have also participated in various health fairs focusing on diabetes awareness and promoting healthy living among individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have volunteered as a Student Clinical Volunteer with the Canadian Blood Services and at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, where I worked closely with patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. During my undergraduate studies at Brock University, I held the position of President of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), an organization devoted to bringing people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, strengthening their faith, and fostering meaningful change through service—values that align closely with my personal and professional aspirations.

Statement of Purpose

My primary objective is to address critical gaps in the healthcare sector in Canada, my home country of Ghana, and globally. This mission is deeply personal, rooted in my own family experiences. I have lost several family members in Ghana due to the lack of essential medical resources. Moreover, witnessing my mother’s struggle with various health complications has fueled my passion for creating a lasting impact in the medical field.

I live in a loving and supportive home, where my parents and siblings made countless sacrifices to support my journey in medicine. However, pursuing medical education in the Caribbean presents unique financial challenges. Many Canadian banks do not offer student loans or lines of credit for students studying abroad. Despite my family’s persistent efforts to secure financial assistance, we have encountered numerous obstacles.

To continue my education and contribute to bridging healthcare disparities, I have launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek the financial support necessary to complete my medical studies.

Cost

I am committed to leveraging my education and experiences to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for underserved communities. Below, I have detailed the specific financial requirements for my education:

Current Semester (5th Semester, 2nd Year):

After applying scholarships (letter provided below), my tuition payment for the 5th semester is $17,019 USD ($22,879 CAD). By the grace of God, I have been able to cover this with your support.

However, I would additionally need approximately $48,000 CAD to cover living expenses and medical insurance.

GoFundMe Fees:

GoFundMe charges a platform fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, amounting to approximately $3,805.98 CAD based on my anticipated campaign amount. In total, my goal is to raise $122,750 CAD to cover tuition, living expenses, medical insurance, and associated fees for the rest of my schooling.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support—whether through a donation or by sharing this page—will bring me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a physician and improving healthcare for underserved communities. I am deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide as I strive to bridge healthcare gaps and create a healthier, brighter future for those in need.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Scholarship Letter