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Regina's campaign for Mercy Ships International

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"Bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor." 

Hi Friends! Welcome to my page and thank you for visiting!  Whether you know a little, or a lot about Mercy Ships and what volunteering with them entails, I have attempted to explain not only what I'll be doing come January 2020, but also why I feel such a pull towards this organization and the people it serves. 

What am I doing?

I am heading to Dakar, Senegal to volunteer with Mercy Ships aboard the Africa Mercy, the world's largest non-governmental floating hospital for from January 5-March 28 of 2020.

I will be volunteering as a nurse on the inpatient pediatric ward taking care of patients receiving life changing operations. 

Who  is Mercy Ships?

Mercy Ships is an international organization that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need.  In addition to these surgeries, Mercy Ships seeks to leave the host nation better equipped with the training, tools, and infrastructure to care for their own.

Sustainable health care requires a plan. Mercy Ships Capacity-Building programs identify local needs and work closely with local governments to establish initiatives that make a lasting difference. Marcy Ships aims to leave a legacy that extends for years—and even generations.

For the best explanation, watch this video...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeyq3MDtsasdCX4MYrnNzfA 
(there are a lot of great videos on their channel!)

Where is Senegal?

Senegal is a French speaking country on Africa’s west coast with a rich French colonial heritage and many natural attractions.  The capital is Dakar which is where Africa Mercy will be berthed.


Why am I volunteering for this organization? 

How could I not?! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

For as long as I can remember, I have felt the call the help those in need. Whether it is the brave children battling cancer that I am lucky enough to care for in my career, or the eager patrons at the various bars I have worked at (kidding), I have always had the urge to serve others.

I can honestly say that not a day goes by that I do not think about how lucky I am to have personally benefited from modern medicine; to have been born where and when I was; to have had parents who had the resources to take me to doctors who had the training and ability to operate on me. I think about how lucky I am to have been trained to help others; to have traveled and learned different methods of healing across this country; to be able-bodied enough to help those who aren't. I feel it is my duty, my calling, and, most importantly, my privilege to serve for Mercy Ships and care for these patients who were not as lucky to be born in the same conditions that so many of us were. 

The upcoming months on the ship ahead are full of unknowns. I will work more hours and care for more patient's than I am used to. I will work all hours of the day and night; I will sleep on a tiny bunk bed in a tiny room with three strangers;  I will see the physical results of true poverty. I know there will be sacrifices on my part and challenges ahead, but I am not afraid of the changes and the unknowns.  Because along with the trials, I will also experience some truly amazing things. I will have the opportunity to see the resilience of these children and their families, work along side volunteers from across the world who feel a similar calling, and witness people who have nothing in common on the surface working together to better a small portion of humanity, and so much more. 


Why am I raising money?

Every Mercy Ships volunteer pays their own way so that every dollar donated to the organization can go to direct patient care, training programs and other costs associated with its field service initiatives.  From doctors to nurses, engineers to deck hands, housekeepers and teachers, everyone serves as a volunteer, no wages or payment for services are received.
 
One of the most challenging parts of volunteering for this organization is the cost. Seeing as this will not only be an unpaid position, but that I also have to cover monthly crew fees, my travel to and from the ship, insurance over seas, vaccines prior to travel, and any usual living expenses while there, I am asking for your help! While I'm putting my personal savings towards this goal, anything you can offer is unbelievably appreciated.  

YOUR support will be gratefully welcomed and received, allowing me to contribute to the amazing work being done on board Africa Mercy, providing surgeries to those in need, changing lives one at a time and leaving a legacy for the people of this region. 

THANK YOU...
for your time, and thank you for your supporting me and making this endeavor possible! I am excited beyond words to serve aboard the Africa Mercy and could not do it with out your help.

Love,
Gina



Mercy Ships Website 
https://www.mercyships.org

Instagram
@mercyships
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Donations 

  • Mark Zelman
    • $25
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Gina Belcastro
Organizer
Chicago, IL

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