Doctors Without Borders surgeon Sandra Freiwald came to San Diego City College March 22 to share her experiences in Liberia in 2007.
During her presentation, she showed a picture slideshow displaying the many ailments and issues the people of Liberia face.
The slide show continued to present the challenges Doctors Without Borders medical team faced when serving these civil- war torn people.
Freiwald said the Doctors Without Borders is “an attempt to eliminate human suffering.”
According to Freiwald, Doctors Without Borders brings much needed healthcare and other services to more than 60 countries to people regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliation. They assist during times of crisis, such as violence, neglect, armed conflict, catastrophe and epidemics.
She also added that Doctors Without Borders also fights to provide a higher quality of living to those with little hope.
Before Freiwald began her presentation, Patrick O’Neil from City College’s International Service Learning and June Cressy from the Classified Senate, presented her with a check of $3,066.
The money was collected through donations made by City College students, faculty, staff and the public.
O’Neil also spoke about International Service Learning, which is a similar program looking for medical students to volunteer their time. The program offers students hands-on clinical experience in countries including Nicaragua, Tanzania and Costa Rica.
In regards to the Classified Senate’s involvement in raising money for Doctors without Borders, Cressy believes it’s crucial people learn to give.
“I think it is important for the City College community to act as a part of the larger community, whether it be city, state, country or continent,” Cressy said. “Feeling sorry for people does not fix a broken leg. Donating money and availing others of that opportunity does.”
“We wanted (people) to have a place to go to make a personal impact in helping our greater community at a time of critical need,” Cressy continued.
Student John Iluento said the Doctors Without Borders presentation reminded him of a few movements from the ’60s that sought people to move overseas to spread the love.
