By victoria kritzell | director of fundraising,
The word has spread about St. Viane's clinic, and Derick's patient load is increasing daily. This past spring, we were able to add another two rooms to the clinic. One is an examination and consulting room, much needed for privacy. The other is for our nurse Deborah, who will be operating the clinic while Derick is away at school. Deborah has been sleeping in a corner of our storage area, a tiny space just large enough for her mattress and few posessions. Deborah has been faithful in her work ministering to the poor, and deserves a place to rest. It is critical that she stay on so Derick can concentrate on his studies. Deborah's nursing license was recently renewed and will be good until Derick completes his medical degree.
A clinic was held recently for the community conducting testing for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Sadly, there were positive results in nearly one third of those tested. They were counseled by Gracious, a local therapist who donates his time to our clinic. The protocol is for the patient to be refered to a local hospital for ARV drugs after advising them of their responsibility in avoiding spreading their disease to partners. All patients are given prevention information and materials.
Derick has informed us that many children have been suffering from typhoid and malaria from the recent rains. Because there is no sanitation system in the city, dirty water and sewage run in the streets. The children are often seen drinking the water as there is no municipal system to provide clean water to them.
Derick is very excited to start his classes. When he attains his medical degree, he will be able to expand treatment to include services at no cost to those who are unable to afford to go to the hospital. His life is dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor, and we want to help him by funding his education. We despertely need to raise the funds for his expenses or he will not be able to reach his goal.
There is no way to put a price on a human life. With this small investment, we can work together to save so many people of all ages; we can actually "buy" lives that would otherwise be lost. There is no better return.
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