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Medical Mission's Remarkable

Impact in Uganda

Nathan McInturf, of Yaaka Afrika (www.yaaka.org) and Nathanael White,
RN at Dignity Health recently teamed up, traveling to the small village of
Toggo in Uganda for a Medical Mission Trip that touched the lives of
thousands, and left an indelible mark by providing not just medical care
but a spark of hope. Bringing talents from different industries, common
values, a spirit of adventure, and deep respect for top notch coffee, their
partnership was quickly cemented and gave wings to their dream of
organizing a medical mission trip. Both had spent time in developing
countries and, led by a desire to ease the suffering of those with virtually
no access to healthcare, they began fundraising, sourcing supplies, and
collecting medical equipment. Teaming up with Ugandan partners Dr.
Timothy Ssemakula of Calvary Medical Center (www.calvarymc.com)
and Steven Trint of Toggo International Schools, the planning efforts hit
full stride by July as they helped secure space, promote the medical
camps, and ensured supporting resources were available. By September,
logistics were finalized, a care team assembled, and supplies and equipment were ready for shipment. As they boarded the long haul flight from
San Francisco to Entebbe, they knew this was going to be an October to remember, the beginning of something larger than either of them could
have envisioned. It was in this moment of clarity - seemingly insignificant decisions, random jobs, chance meetings, and seasons of change,
which once felt like chance, began to make complete sense.

They landed safely and were soon stepping out into the midday heat, back to roads of red dust, diesel filling their noses and motorbike horns
keeping a rhythmic beat as they made their way through Entebbe towards Kampala and then headed on their journey north to Toggo. The
medical teams arrived later in the evening and they prepared for what lay ahead over the next week. Before the sunrise, lines of patients
gathered and filled a multipurpose building on the primary school campus to access no
cost services which included disease and hygiene education, health screenings,
optometry and dental services, scanning, laboratory, physician consultations and
prescription medications. The team navigated the constant heat, heavy rains, washed
out roads, and power outages - all challenges of delivering care in remote areas.
Strategic supply runs with precision delivery were orchestrated from Kampala nightly
after inventory and debrief was completed, followed by a communal meal. Over the
next four days, the single road into the village and school campuses buzzed with
activity, as the teams made room for every patient - ensuring the most vulnerable
populations received the lifeline care they desperately needed. Songs of joy were heard
in the courtyard from children, the elderly wore smiles of gratitude and expectant
mothers collected prenatal vitamins and supplements for the new life growing within.
As the camp’s final day came to a close, a sense of peace settled over the team as they
reflected on the mission's profound impact on the region and on their own hearts. Over
2000 patients, some traveling from more than 40 miles away, had been
screened and seen by a doctor, had been treated on site, and provided
medications at no cost, and not a single person had been turned away.
The mission is a story of hope and the enduring human spirit. This journey
was not just about medical aid; it was a celebration of human connection and
a journey of compassion and discovery. It showcased the best of humanity,
with individuals coming together to make a tangible difference in a suffering
world, through memories and lasting contributions that will resonate for
years to come, both for those who received care and those who gave it.

To learn more about this trip or supporting the next medical trip please
contact Nathanael White at medical.yaaka@gmail.com

Article by: Nathanael White, husband of Jessica White who teaches Aqua,
Strong & Stable, Chair Fitness, and Chair Stretch here at The Club.
Thank you for sharing your incredible trip with us.

February 2024 Page 31