Hello, my name is Kira and I am looking for donations to study veterinary medicine under seasoned veterinarians in Thailand. I am a local senior at Portage High School and a Kennel Technician at Lakeshore PAWS in Valparaiso. Recently, I was chosen to travel to Thailand and learn veterinary medicine. This opportunity goes to very few students in the country let alone Northwest Indiana. Through my academic excellence and my drive to help animals in need, I was picked for this program. Traveling to another country is expensive, and that is why I am asking for donations. The total trip is going to cost over $8,000, and I will miss out on this opportunity without support from my community. Anything you have to give will be appreciated. A donation will not only help me, a future veterinarian, but animals rescued from trafficking as well.

Video from WorldStrides with program overview:

On day one at the dog rescue, I will be learning intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, how to use a microscope, suturing techniques, and ophthalmic and dermatologic examinations. After a packed first day, day two provides a lot more learning into parasitology: with a heart dissection and a field class with catheter placement and blood testing practice. Days five and six are all about canine and feline spays and neuters. On these days, I learn how to properly assess a patient and monitor them while assisting during surgery.

After our time in the dog rescue, we travel to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. They have rescued elephants from the torture these "circus" animals go through (watch Love and Bananas if you haven't already!) at this sanctuary. In addition to cleaning their enclosures, we learn the importance of herd health and how to read a urine and fecal analysis. On the last day of what I would refer to as heaven on Earth, we get to meet a calf after morning rounds! Then, it is back to Northwest Indiana.

I hope you consider supporting me in any way you can. My goal is to help animals around the world. If you are interested in chatting with me in person, please reach out; I am sure we have some common passions! If you want to make a digital donation, you can donate here. I also take donations in the form of cash and checks.

Donation Breakdown:

The base cost of the trip is $6,199

Additional costs add up to be $1,600 at least

There will also need to be additional personal items for the trip purchased with any excess money