Dear Friends and Family,

When I arrived at Virginia Tech, I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Cambodia with a group of Virginia Tech Students on a medical outreach mission through the organization Volunteers Around the World. I will be traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia from June 1st-June 16th, 2018.

Volunteers Around the World is a non-governmental organization devoted to improving the standard of living for those who live in some of the most poverty stricken communities of the world. Many people in Cambodia do not have access to healthcare and education due to the scarcity of health institutions and schools, lack of trained professionals, and inaccessibility to transportation and funds. During my time in Siem Reap, I will work to alleviate some of these healthcare and education concerns. Throughout my two weeks there, we will have 6 clinical days which will involve shadowing medical professionals, assisting doctors, taking patient history and information, managing a pharmacy, and more. Additionally, we will have 1 education day which will involve traveling to a local school or children’s home to teach healthy habits and play games, and 3-4 “free days,” where we will travel to various places in Cambodia including museums and villages.

In order to make this trip happen, I need your help! The work of VAW is accomplished by the volunteers who donate their time and energy, the sponsors who donate funds and supplies to support the outreach projects, and the local health professionals and community members. The donation that you provide will be used to help fund the necessary costs to treat the patients in Cambodia. These costs include hiring local health professionals, purchasing medications and medical supplies, and the transportation and lodging of volunteers while in-country.

My current goal is $1,850. You can easily donate through my Empowered account at the following link; any donation is greatly appreciated! www.empowered.org/victoriaferrara. Once you are on the website, scroll down to the orange “Donate Now” button.

There is also an additional way to donate! Our chapter has partnered with Yankee Candle, and a 40% profit will be donated to our trip if you use the group code: 990105488 and my username: Victoria63 at checkout! Since Yankee Candles are popular around the holidays, I hope you consider using your purchases to support our outreach. This opportunity will be available until the end of December.

Thank you for your support in this amazing, life-changing experience. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact me!

Sincerely,
Victoria Ferrara