My Dearest Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

I am reaching out to you in hopes of your support with a project that has been near and dear to my heart. I have been working deeply with the Love A Community (LAC) organization, founded by Lydia Natoolo. Our focus has been to help the dire needs of Atutur Hospital in Kumi, Uganda, Africa. It serves a population of 400,000 people and is in desperate need of basic resources and infrastructure. I started with LAC from its beginnings in December 2014. I did not know what I was getting myself into, but felt a calling to carry Lydia’s vision in any way possible. I've wanted to join their missions to Uganda for the last two years, but Nursing School was my priority. So, I remained stateside assisting with building a team and organizing meetings and fundraisers. Thus far, our efforts have made a powerful impact to the community by: providing the hospital with clean, running water; solar electricity for 1/3 of the hospital; and decreasing the mortality rate by almost 30%!

We have come a long way, and if you can imagine, the work has been amazing! …However, there is still so much to be done. The medical, health, and safety needs of the hospital is in great despair- the list is endless. I was not planning to go to Uganda until next year, but a timely opportunity was presented to me within the last week. I had to make a choice before joining the workforce. I have been asked to join the Love A Community team in going to Uganda as a Registered Nurse. I will be working on a research project that will be presented at the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Conference at the University of California, Irvine next year. My role will be vitally important so that we can finally focus on the medical needs of this hospital. I will be there to research, assess, collect data on disease and conditions of the hospital, and to provide care to the patients of Atutur Hospital. Ultimately, our research and work will be monumental for the health and needs of the community.

I simply could not deny an opportunity to help those who are in far desperate need than ourselves. What I am doing on a small scale will, ultimately, make a more meaningful difference for the future of this community. Volunteerism and Humanitarian Aid is a dream I have always seen in my future. The time has finally come, and I am so grateful to live out this dream while utilizing the skills I now have as a Registered Nurse.

I am leaving to Uganda very soon, August 13th. My goal is to reach at least $2500. I ask for your support in my dedication to help others much less fortunate. Your generous donations would help offset much of the travel costs, equipment, and supplies required so that I may focus on pouring my heart, soul, and passion into this work. A loving donation in any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Remember, this is NOT about me traveling to Uganda... This is about compassion, healing, and HELPING SO MANY OTHERS have better quality of health and life.

With my deepest sincerity and gratitude,

Rizelle Albano, RN

www.loveacommunity.org
Love A Community

“The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” ~Florence Nightingale