Doctors Without Borders Fundraiser for Dennis

My father, Dennis, always had a big heart and a charitable mindset. Over the years, he has volunteered his time and money to various organizations, like Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Saint Charles Borromeo, and Catholic Charities, each helping the world in different ways. But he also donated and appreciated the selfless efforts of the Doctors Without Borders organization.

Founded in 1971 by a group of French doctors and journalists in the wake of war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria, their aim was to establish an independent organization that focused on delivering emergency medical humanitarian aid quickly, effectively, and impartially. Doctors Without Borders, or translate to Médecins Sans Frontières in French, had three hundred volunteers when it started, including doctors, nurses, logistics experts, and other staff. It was established on the belief that all people should have access to high-quality health care, regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. From the start, they made a commitment not just to care for patients but to bear witness to their experiences and call attention to the problems driving emergency needs. They have helped care for tens of millions of people for over fifty-five years across seventy countries.

The organization is currently assisting in an emergency situation at Nepal. After the recent major flash floods in the Rasuwa district in Nepal, a team arrived in less than twenty-four hours to assess the needs on the ground. The floods rapidly impacted the Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi areas, causing significant damage to settlements, markets, and infrastructure. Flood waves are estimated to have been as large as 26-33 feet in some locations. Hundreds of people are feared to have died, with many people still missing. Floodwaters reached the town of Mugling in the Chitwan district and have since begun to recede, though authorities say the risk remains high, as the blocked section of the river upstream has not yet been fully cleared.

And Doctors Without Borders needs your help to continue the lifesaving efforts in Nepal as well as around the world. A $20 donation can provide treatments to cure seventeen adult patients from malaria, while a $200 donation can provide treatments to cure five patients of Hepatitis C without chronic liver damage. You can make a small or large donation, every dollar helping someone in need. 

I created a fundraiser on their website to raise money, and I would love for you to help support their mission. Thank you for joining me to support the work of Doctors Without Borders in honor of my father, Dennis Palladino!