AMPATH Supporters Visit Kenya
Nine AMPATH donors and supporters embraced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience both a Kenyan safari and the AMPATH partnership.
The group was joined by AMPATH staff and visited Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Sally Test Child Life Center, the children’s neurodevelopment future site and current program team, and a variety of other AMPATH initiatives in Eldoret. They had the opportunity to meet with AMPATH leaders including MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa and AMPATH Executive Director of Care Professor Sylvester Kimaiyo.
They learned about the history and future of AMPATH and met many of the inspirational leaders of the program from Kenya and the U.S. While in Eldoret they stayed with other AMPATH visitors at the IU House facility and enjoyed meals with visiting students, staff and faculty from around the world.
Following a whirlwind tour of AMPATH, they embarked on a Kenyan safari at both Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara. They saw elephants, lions, warthogs and so many other birds and other wildlife. Several adventurous members of the group participated in a hot air balloon ride across the Mara where they could enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Kenya.
“I will never forget the woman who looked into me at Chamas as she put beads over my head and said, ‘Welcome. You are my friend. I love you. You are home.’ And I felt it to be absolutely true,” said Karen Moser.
Time in Nairobi before and after the tour included visiting the Giraffe Center, Karura Forest and enjoying Kenya’s biggest city.
“I had no idea how visiting Eldoret would transform my connection to the cause (AMPATH),” said Sue Stemen. “Seeing the various clinics that comprise the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and hearing from the passionate doctors, researchers, staff, Chamas and visitors confirmed that this is a place I want to continue to support and become more involved with going forward. The passion of AMPATH personnel is contagious!”
Fellow traveler Karen Moser added, “ I tell everyone-- these people remain passionate, devoted and positive. They do not wait to act until some money comes in, they begin with what they have no matter the circumstances, whether it be working in a closet or putting two patients in a bed. I loved hearing the stories that the AMPATH physicians and administrators had to tell.”
“As awe inspiring as the animals on safari are, so are the projects and systems that AMPATH has created over the past 30 years,” said Stacy Nance, another trip participant. “As we were touring Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, children's hospital and women's hospital, I noted gaps in services, structures and care. Then through storytelling of our AMPATH guides and hospital staff, I hear the history of how far services, structures, and care have come in a relatively short time period. The efforts that AMPATH has made and continues to strive for, save lives, improve the quality of life, and promote lasting changes for generations to come.”
AMPATH is accepting reservations for future trips. Don’t miss this opportunity!