Andrea Bunyevich's Personal Story
“You can go anywhere, see and do anything,
but it’s the people you meet along the way
that make it meaningful.”
As a volunteer on the 2009 Medical Mission in Guatemala, I felt
honored to join the team at Humanity Transplant and DOCARE because
the people were an inspiration.
There were the doctors whose vast knowledge, expertise and caring
bed-side-manner, guided all of us in providing high-level medical
care for the local communities who otherwise would have no access to it.
There were the students and fellow volunteers who had a thirst for knowledge
and a strong will to contribute. They worked hard, integrating their various
skills to provide care for the locals and support for the doctors.
Then of course there were the gentle faces of the local people, whose
smiles beamed with gratitude not only for receiving complex treatments but
even for simple vitamins.
These people made the experience what it was.
I am an Australian Artist, living in Melbourne, but my family calls me the
“Global Woman” because I love traveling. It’s my passion to visit other
countries and share extraordinary experiences with like-minded people.
One of my favorite places is a small alpine village in Switzerland called
Gimmelwald. I find inspiration for artwork while hiking there and always
meet interesting people at the local Mountain Hostel. That’s where I first
met Dr. Alan Schalscha. A very inspiring man and someone I’m proud to call
my friend.
It was during that visit to Switzerland that he initially encouraged me
to participate as a volunteer on a medical mission with Humanity Transplant
and DOCARE.
I had worked as a volunteer Art Therapist with refugees who came to Australia
to escape the torture & trauma they experienced in their own countries. As their
English wasn’t good, we helped them communicate their stories through art. Their
images were particularly powerful, stronger than words of course, and our
exhibitions had a huge impact on the community. We were not only able to increase
public awareness and support our argument for greater financial assistance from
the Government, but we were able to help the refugees move past the haunting
atrocities inflicted upon them.
When I was considering joining the mission with Humanity Transplant and DOCARE,
I was nervous at the idea because even though I was very interested in
volunteering again, I had no formal medical training and didn’t want to let the
team down.
Dr. Schalscha reassured me that
my will to help the medical team and the
local community, was a valuable asset in itself.
I will forever be grateful for that opportunity. Participating in that mission
enriched my life immeasurably.
It takes a unique group of people to form a team of incredibly devoted
individuals whose determination to make a difference is so moving that it
inspires others to join them in working hard, often in poor conditions, giving
their time and money. It also takes a unique group of people to stay positive
when there is so much devastation. To be able to learn from the local communities
who appreciate every little blessing because they have very little.
The people working for Humanity Transplant and DOCARE are unique. They
remember to stay good-humored within the serious work which somehow makes all
that effort a pleasure.
It’s all about the people.... Andrea Bunyevich |
