Corinne and Brad Jefferson, along with their children and a friend, visited Angkor Hospital for Children in the fall of 2013.
My experience of the Angkor Children’s Satellite Hospital in Siem Reap was inspiring. In all my dreams I never thought I would go to a place where miracles are created. The hospital changed my mind on how I see the world today. All it takes is a few steps in making that journey. Once you have experienced it you will see the star in each child and doctor. A smile is all you need in return for going up to a child and giving them a toy. I knew at that moment the experience would impact me forever. If I had not visited the hospital I would never have thought of all the possibilities that make a difference if we stand together. All you have to do is take that first step. I promise you, take that first step and the rest will surprise you and you will be filled with greatness.
– Lauren Jefferson
Grade 12 High School Student
Alexis Paquet and Kendre Jefferson are giving a demonstration on effective oral hygiene and brushing technique which was translated by Samnang. Oral hygiene is one of the most challenging areas of health promotion. Donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap were given to all.
By visiting the hospital, we wanted to show these families our commitment support and dedication. It showed us that we can play an active role to bring happiness to the lives of these children and their future. We were fortunate to see the biggest smiles from these people that have so little access to things we take for granted. Everyone was welcoming, and seemed receptive to what we had to say. We felt we were well received which we were also thankful for. Also, the Satellite team made us feel proud and felt like we can make a difference. We felt very privileged that we were invited by them and embraced the whole experience. There is no better feeling than helping others. It has left us with memories that will last a lifetime of bringing hope and making the world a better place.
– Kendre Jefferson, Kara Jefferson and Alexis Paquet
In November 2012, my husband and I went to Myanmar on a biking tour. Myanmar is a beautiful country with an ancient culture struggling to find its footing in a modern world that has largely left it behind. As is the case with most guided tours everywhere, our trip to Myanmar paraded us by wonderful monuments, temples and comfortable tourist facilities. While this was all fascinating, the most memorable part of our trip was not on the tour company’s itinerary.
We are both physicians and have worked as volunteers in developing countries over the years. Before picking up our bicycles in Yangon, we spent a day checking out MAM (Medical Action Myanmar) an NGO that supports a number of clinics that bring health services to the poorest people in Myanmar. Dr. Ni Ni Tun, a Myanmar physician, kindly spent a morning explaining MAM’s activities and showing us one of their clinics in a poor suburb of the capitol. Having had some experience in the difficulties and challenges inherent in providing health care in developing countries, we were very impressed by the dedication, thoroughness and vision of this Dutch based organization.
For anyone looking to make a donation to a project that is making a difference you cannot do any better than contributing to MAM.
– Dr. Linda Harth and Dr. Peter Nash (husband and wife)
Vancouver based Doctors
