The whole DelMed Aid-Christiana Care Residency Team
Friday, January 23, 2009. Today I felt a bit frustrated and for me a bit of homesickness is setting in. I tend to be a very idealistic person and depending on the situation this can work for me or against me. I just never know when. DelMed has partnered with a health care setting in the third world and there are enormous problems. At times it seems overwhelming but I ask, why would anyone come here with the expectation of anything less in one of the poorest countries in all of Africa? The bottom line is I am very fond of Africa and the Gambian people. No matter how complex the issues are, DelMed has decided to face the many challenges found here and will attempt to deliver quality healthcare. We are committed to finding solutions. They may not be or perhaps should not be an Americanized formula but we will strive to find sustainable answers. Our fact-finding exploration including learning Gambian culture continues and we will do our best to work with the administration and staff at SJGH to develop projects to best serve the staff and community. The challenges are immense, but so is our commitment.
∼Lonnie
Also on Friday… Just a sad note about 2 of our number leaving us today… Ed and Gen Goldenberg, our father-daughter team, are heading back to the States. We have enjoyed immensely getting to know both of them in this setting, working closely, dealing with challenges and also just having fun. Ed really made an impact on the staff here, and many of them commented on how sad they were to see him go. I know that his presence here was appreciated, as there has never been a cardiologist at this hospital in its history, and he was able to convey information and skills that had heretofore been unseen. His positive attitude and laid-back approach put everyone at ease, and he seemed to have a smile on his face every time we would see him. He looks at obstacles as “opportunities”, and I really feel as though I have learned so much from him in the last 10 days. He taught me a great deal about cardiology during the 5 years that I was a resident at Christiana Care, and now that we are colleagues here in The Gambia, he has taught me a great deal about humanism. I can’t tell you, Ed, how much we appreciate your being here.
Everyone gathered for a quick group photo, even though the OPD was incredibly busy for a Friday, they spared us for a few minutes to say goodbye.
In the evening, Lonnie, Jason and I brought our friend Modou to the house to show him a treat… He is one of the good friends we made last year, and he is a devout Chelsea Football Club fan – and the country itself is football (soccer to Americans) crazed. Lonnie had downloaded a Chelsea v Fulham match, and we played it for Modou and his friend on the living room wall using the LCD projector. They were so excited, as this is quite a rarity for them, given that there is no electricity in their compounds, and they have only seen one or two games in the last few years when they have had the luck to travel to the city to an establishment that is showing the matches. It felt good to be able to given them that small pleasure. I didn’t let on that I was actually cheering for Fulham…. ☺
∼Sue
My name is Amie Ceesay, I am an American Citizen residing in Fairfield CT. I was born and raised in Bwiam Village and my Father is Alhagi Babou Ceesay. This evening (1/29/2009) I received grim news that my beloved dad suffered a stroke earlier in the day, at my family home in Bwiam. I understand that he is currently admitted in SJGH. In a state of panic I called my personal physician for advice and then jumped on the internet to search for answers. It was a blessing to discover your blog and website and see the great and selfless work you are doing for my people.
My dad is the kindest and most gentle soul you could ever meet, really! it is true. I just spoke to him about 10 days ago and we both got emotional about how much we miss each other (my last visit was in 2004) and about how he can hardly wait to meet my three year old daughter Isabel. My husband (Michael) and I are planning on taking Isabel to Gambia in March. She is overjoyed by the prospect of meeting Africa Grandpa (that is what she calls him). She has already packed up a suitcase and gathered up presents (chocolate candy of course) for all her cousins.
As you can imagine, I am not only in a state of shock but I am extremely worried for my dad’s condition. I am pleading with you to PLEASE take care of my dad as best as you possibly can. If there are any medications, supplies, or equipment needed from the USA to facilitate his treatment, please do let me know.
If time permits please send me an update of his condition.
Thank you very much for all your great service to humanity and for making the world a better place. I for one, may not sleep tonight but I certainly feel much better knowing that my dad is being cared for by your team.
Sincerely,
Amie Ceesay