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This non-profit organization originally began in early 2008. It was through personal reflection that I became aware of how lucky and privileged I am, we all are, to live in a place where opportunities abound. It is with joy that I share these thoughts, and revelations with those who want to become involved in this organization or wish to participate in its events.
For many years (it has been so long ago that I do not even recall when it started) in gatherings with family and friends, we would lift our glass and cheer “to abundance!” This demonstrated that we were aware of how lucky we are to live here... It was also a cheer of brotherhood that becomes stronger with the passing of time, full of hopes for the future, and the realization of the richness of our lives… |
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Do you remember the huge Tsunami that hit Asia in December of 2004? Imagine how different the situation could have been if each of us had given one week of our time, within our area of expertise, to help the people hit by this tragedy. I believe that everyone would like to help those in need, to the capacity that they are able, so that others could profit from their strengths. |
After these events, and with the desire to take action before another catastrophe arose, the idea came to me to give a week of my time, within my personal area of expertise, which is medicine, to help those in other countries that live in extreme poverty. This consists of the unavailability of water; an insufficient amount of food; living on bare ground in unsanitary conditions; no opportunity for education; and worst of all have little hope for a better future. It is one thing to want to offer one’s time but it is another to do it. Where and how can one best help? After doing research, I discovered that I could join a team from Texas, called the Austin Diocese Medical Mission. They organize groups of medical professionals that provide their services in poor countries. I went with this team to Mexico in the region of Arteaga in Saltillo and experienced my first mission.
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The group from Texas brings together people from different medical professions (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and acupuncturists), volunteer interpreters, and of course support staff. The volunteers visited small villages providing free medical assistance. I invite you to look at the photo gallery. These pictures illustrate clearly the simplicity of how these clinics were pulled together.
We have all seen documentaries that present vivid pictures of extreme poverty but to live it, even if just for a week, made me realize the dire and urgent needs of the people that live in these conditions. It was during this mission that I realized the immensity and severity of the situation that extreme poverty causes. I also realized the importance of bringing people together to take immediate action.
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This desire to help promote change was shared by one of my friends, Isabelle Bédard, a nurse, who also participated in the medical mission with me in Mexico. By working together with others with similar beliefs, we decided to start a non-profit organization called “Mission humanitaire Dr. Elaine Martel” (Humanitarian Mission Dr. Elaine Martel), with the objective to help those who live in extreme poverty.
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Welcome and thank you for your interest in the site. Enjoy!
Elaine Martel |
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