PLEASE DONATE FOR COVID-19 REDCROSS RELIEF FUND
https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html
https://www.cdc.gov/
During Summer of 2018, I had an opportunity to spend two weeks as a volunteer with Red Cross India, Gujarat branch. Being born and raised in America, I was a little hesitant to join an organization in India. I had inhibitions about what type of work will I be doing, will the environment I work in be safe for me, will communication be easy for me and in and all I was doubtful on whether the experience will be worthwhile. I still remember my nervousness on the first day at the Red Cross office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. To my surprise the facility was quiet modern, people were very friendly and helpful in making my transition easy. I got very comfortable with the staff and the people working there. Through my two weeks, I learned a lot about the work they do to spread awareness for Thalassemia and Sickle cell Anemia. This facility is equipped with high end technology that supports research in early detection of Thalassemia and Sickle cell anemia. It also has other facilities such as old age home and prosthetic arms and limbs facility. During my stay, I was able to accompany doctors around villages and slums spreading awareness for personal hygiene, thalassemia testing on college campuses, blood collection centers and prosthetic facility. It was indeed a well spent summer giving me immense knowledge on the work done by Red Cross India, Gujarat Branch. I went again this year for two weeks as I now feel a part of this organization. This years, I was exposed to in-house research and hand done processes involved in disease detection. I got to work with Hematology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Neonatal departments learning machine operation, reading terminology and analyzing the data. Most of these machinery manuals are long and in English, which makes it hard for people working in the facility to understand. I was tasked with summarizing the manuals to one page documents and explaining the manuals to the people operating the machines. I also had to create PowerPoints for scheduled presentations. I discovered a new me through my experiences at Red Cross as I was able to learn the technology involved in these departments. I am determined to contribute to Red Cross India, Gujarat branch as a youth representative spreading awareness to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anemia. My goal is to continue volunteering and fundraising for Red Cross. Please support my fundraiser to collect funds for disaster relief supported by Red Cross around the world. Your contribution will truly help the people in need! Thankyou!
