Ryan Byrd: Kenya Relief!

In February of 2015 and 2017, I had the incredible opportunity to go to Migori, Kenya through an organization called Kenya Relief. I served with my parents and brother, bringing medical care to the underserved people of Kenya. My father (an ophthalmologist) performed hundreds of cataract surgeries, my mother (a nurse anesthetist) provided the anesthesia, my brother (physician's assistant) practiced general medicine, and I learned how to take patient histories and conduct important pre-surgery eye scans. Unfortunately, I was not able to return this March with my parents because apparently it’s not okay to miss a week of college like you can in high school (sad, right?). Since the day I found out I could not return in March, I began to plan how I could find my way back.

            This June, Kenya Relief is hosting a non-medical mission trip in which missioners will work on building and improving the facilities that house over 100 Kenyan orphans. Amongst this group of orphans, the Byrd family has sponsored a brother and sister named Milton and Viancha. Because of Kenya Relief, Milton and Viancha have gone from parentless, undernourished, and uneducated in a Kenyan village to thriving in the Kenya Relief orphanage with a bright future ahead.

            I have decided that this summer is perhaps my very last chance to go back to Kenya. In the next few summers, I will have demanding internships and eventually a full-time job, so taking two weeks to go to Africa will simply not be possible. I have signed up to return to Kenya to serve again in June, but I could use the help of my friends and family. My parents have generously contributed 2/3 of the cost of the trip (thank you Mom and Dad!), and that leaves me with the remaining costs. Now, I would like to ask your help. If you feel any inclination to help me return to Kenya to serve in June, no matter how large or small your donation may be, I would greatly appreciate your assistance, and so would the people of Kenya.

Thank you and god bless you, I keep you all in my prayers!