Support Cristy's volunteer Medical Trip to Nepal

I am writing to ask for your support. This fall I am traveling on a Buddhist-based humanitarian medical trip to Nepal with Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot at Upaya Zen Center, 25 other Western medical practitioners, and 20 Nepalese practitioners. As a long-time nurse practitioner, former Outward Bound instructor, and newly practicing Buddhist, I am honored to bring my outdoor and medical skills to this team of medical providers. Our intention is to serve over 1200 Nepalese men, women, and children who live in remote villages generally only accessible by foot who have almost no access to medical care. We will be offering both Western and traditional medicine to the local people.

We will traveling in the Humla district of northwestern Nepal for 30 days, trekking over 200 miles, and setting up temporary medical clinics along the way. Upaya Zen Center has been conducting these annual “Nomads Medical Clinics” for the past 20 years. https://www.upaya.org/social-action/nomads-clinic/ 
The trip will be tough; we will trek an average of nine miles a day and cross several 18,000 foot passes. I am currently deep in the process of training for the rigorous physical demands and widening my Zen practice in my everyday life to prepare for our work in Nepal. After 17 years of practicing medicine in a US clinic, this humanitarian medical trip feels like an opportunity to touch back into who I am as a medical provider through wilderness travel and Zen practice.

Excitement is great, but the financial reality of serving on the Nomads Clinic is sobering. My part of the cost is over $12,500. My clinic has been supportive but I am still facing a difficult financial situation. Although many people have asked me about setting up a GoFundMe page, I have been reluctant, but now I realize that I genuinely need your help. I also want to offer the opportunity for those of you who have asked about contributing financially to my participation in the Nomads Clinic. Support comes in many forms and I equally welcome and appreciate them all; financial, good thoughts, encouragement - whatever you can offer!

I would like to carry the names of all the people who contribute with me on this journey in honor of your support. Please pass this along to anyone through email and social media in your circle whom you think might like to financially support this medical trip.

With gratitude and respect for all you do to make the world a better place.    Cristy