Dear Friends and Family,

This June 1st-June 7th, I will have the unique opportunity of traveling to Honduras with a group of students and medical professionals with the Illinois Wesleyan University’s Global Medical Brigades program. We will spend a week traveling to underserved, rural areas around the city of Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, setting up temporary clinics where people can come and receive medical treatment free of charge. Since June 2009, IWU Global Medical Brigades participated in week-long trips to Honduras, treating an incredible total of over 1,000 patients in rural, underserved villages. Yet this is still barely scratching the surface of what we can do, and we are working hard to bring even more aid to those who need it most.

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America with 53% of the population living in poverty. Disease and malnutrition are the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old. The basic needs of education, health care, and clean water are luxuries for the majority of the people there, and in the rural communities where we will be working, they are even scarcer. We are entering an era where the community is global, and as global citizens, we must do our part to contribute what we can in helping those in need.

In order for this trip to be a success, I need your support. I am looking for sponsors to support my trip and mission to help others. The total trip cost is $1500, and I must fundraise what I can to support my trip. I am grateful for donations of any amount and in any form. Whether or not you can assist me financially, I am hoping that you will keep my team and I in your thoughts and prayers. Extra donations will go directly towards necessary medicines and medical supplies needed to run the medical clinics each day. Please contact me at mdewitt@iwu.edu or (847) 754-7061 if you have any questions or would like to discuss your donation further.

Global Medical Brigades is a tax deductible 501c3 organization. I truly appreciate your time and consideration. Your contribution will be a greatly valued gift to the people in Honduras.