Someone Making Things Happen
Mark Warawa, MP, Langley, and Chair of the Parliamentary Environment Committee in Ottawa is a longtime loyal KBNF supporter and donor. Christina and I had the privilege of having lunch with Mark during an Ottawa visit in October. An update on KBNF was a large part of the agenda.
KBNF is pleased to report that Mark will be joining a KBNF Executive meeting this winter. A video sharing our role in West Africa, hosted by Mark, is also anticipated. Information on the logistics of preparing for an anticipated official Canadian visit of the President of Liberia is being facilitated through Mark’s office.
Potluck and Laundry Folding Party!
DATE: Saturday, February 2, 2013
TIME: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LOCATION: VGH, ground floor (old laundry department)
RSVP: christina@kbnf.org
Dear friends,
We are working on getting our hospital linens and supplies – so graciously donated by western hospitals – packed up for transfer to a need hospital in Techiman, Ghana. We need to be ready to transfer them ASAP.
We need your help sorting and packing – grandmothers, children, anyone, all are welcome!
On Saturday, February 2, we are congregating in the VGH old laundry department (ground floor behind Centennial Pavilion) for our next major work party. We’re planning to have a potluck to keep us all energized as we work.
We’ll begin at 9 a.m. Please join us. You can come and go throughout the morning and afternoon as your day permits.
If you are lost, give Christina a call at 1.877.468.6380 and she’ll be happy to help you with directions.
We hope to see you there!
Happy New Year!
As 2012 comes to a close, KBNF saw the advent of our first neuro-specialist relocating to Ghana. Ghanaian Parliament approved the College of Health Sciences and Korle Bu Teaching Centre of Excellence Hospitals, a project initiated by KBNF. Reaching out upon an invitation, exploratory tours were conducted for the first time in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Korle-Bu Neuroscience multinational medical team had the privilege this year of leading and participating in four neuroscience and medical teaching conferences, both in Ghana and as an inaugural event in Liberia. Visiting the Brong Ahafo region in the interior of Ghana revealed a physician passionate in his pursuit of excellence in health care delivery. A partnership has begun in earnest. Two more container shipments headed overseas to Ghana and Nigeria. KBTH patients received pillows and Patrick is being given life saving care.
Many in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria were encouraged this year by Danny Moe’s inspiring “Stars shine the brightest when the night is the darkest” DVD presentation. I encourage everyone to take the time to listen to this message, a gift to you all. (Here is a link to it.)
In conclusion, King George VI quoted from a poignant poem sent to him in a Christmas card from one of his subjects in 1939, that is engraved on the gates of the Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle and was read at Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s state funeral, “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!”
May 2013 be embarked upon with confidence – for us all, and as KBNF embraces opportunities given to us for fostering health and hope to the precious people of West Africa.
On behalf of the KBNF Board of Directors and family.
Love,
Marj
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Club – Victoria
We are always so pleased to hear of university students eager to support our neuroscience projects in West African. Our University of Victoria students are raising interest and awareness on behalf of KBNF. Join Bernard Osei, President of KBNC, and our KBNF family in extending a big congratulations to our dear students for all these wonderful developments!
West Africa and Strokes
Here is an article that I read recently on people dying from strokes in Ghana.
I am so pleased to note that awareness is being raised in Ghana regarding the mammoth challenges and tragedies many, many Ghanaians (and West Africans) are having, particularly in the realm of strokes. There is much that needs to be done and we are committed to partnering with West Africa in prevention, being proactive, and offering effective treatment of these devastating brain attacks.
Jocelyne mentions that salt is a staple in their diets that needs to be reduced and will likely help. Struggling with high blood pressure is often a precursor to stroke. So much can be done . . .
The loss of one contributing adult in West African society is a critical loss. Why? Because those countries, with meagre resources, have invested in that life and their loss may impact an entire family’s viability, a community, and a nation. One tragic example is our loss of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Head Physiotherapist, at the age of 57. There are so few rehabilitation specialists anywhere in Ghana or West Africa. His loss was devastating.
Please partner with us to reduce strokes. Many lives depend on it.
