Connect to Care
Learn about our volunteers and how you can support their volunteer service.
Upcoming Volunteers
Mark Haffey, Blake Thompson, Greg Sheffer
are going to Ukraine
We are three life-long friends that want to use our talents to help the world. We have traveled together to places like Africa, Haiti and Canada. In September, we are traveling with Global Care Force to Ukraine. Global Care Force is providing critical and essential medical care in response to the grave atrocity affecting the people of Ukraine.
Mark (Nurse Anesthesiologist) will be volunteering with the medical teams providing much needed anesthesia services. Blake (Media Producer) and Greg (Filmmaker) will be volunteering by producing video pieces for Global Care Force’s work. We have secured our way to Ukraine, so your generous contribution will be used to help Global Care Force’s medical work in Ukraine.
Chance Shaffner, Paramedic
is going to Ukraine
I look forward to joining the mobile medical team in Ukraine from September 12-24 to serve those in need and share the company of like-minded individuals who feel called to help the Ukrainian people in their time of need.
Don Dunning, Volunteer
is going to Gallup, New Mexico
I continue to return to Gallup, New Mexico to serve as a shelter assistant at St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and Shelter because of the impact it has made on my life. Serving alongside the Missionaries of Charity Sisters reaffirms my faith. I find joy and fulfillment in caring for others. I will return to serve in Gallup from September 23-30.
Tre Bono, PA
is going to Ukraine
At the end of a 30-year career in HIV research, psychiatry, and primary care medicine, I think my biggest “goal” is to live a life of witness and solidarity. As a retired PA who kept his medical license and treatment skill set active, volunteering in Ukraine from October 9-12 is a way I can keep it real, continue to use my skills, go where I am needed, and make a tangible difference.
Michelle Whitford, MD
is going to Ukraine
As the people of Ukraine continue to endure, suffer, and resist the Russian invasion, I remain committed to providing humanitarian aid there. My time there in February was intense and hard but rewarding. I felt my humble contribution towards caring for our patients to my core. I wish I could have stayed longer or done more. The bond I made with the other volunteers lifted up my spirit, and I look forward to seeing many of them again when I return to volunteer October 9-12.
Jacoby Vaucher, ARNP
is going to Ukraine
I’m excited for the opportunity to serve in Ukraine from October 9-22 and will partner with Global Care Force to provide medical services to underserved communities in Ukraine. As many of you know, my heart for serving others has led me into medicine, and I’m excited to serve in Ukraine. I’m fortunate to have a flexible schedule due to my career in emergency medicine and am excited to partner with other colleagues to help promote health and alleviate suffering.
Stephen Kineke, MD
Ann Schwanda, RN
are returning to Ukraine
Stephen and I served with Global Care Force’s mobile medical clinic in Ukraine in February and will return in October. Many of the villages where we served were devastated by Russian soldiers and left residents traumatized. The clinics are the only source of primary care and free medicines for the civilians in these locations. The faith, courage, and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring and the ability to serve in this area of need is a blessing.
Tara Stratton, MD
is going to Ukraine
The resiliency and strength of Ukrainian people has been a great inspiration to people all around the globe. The struggles in Ukraine are far from over, and too many people continue to go without basic necessities including health care. I am very excited to volunteer with Global Care Force in October and provide high-quality medical care to the citizens of Ukraine who have so little and have been through so much.
Twila Drummond, RN
is going to Ukraine
Why am I volunteering in Ukraine from November 6-19? They are my “almost family” in clear distress. They are like family because I lived there for nearly 15 years (in Kyiv and villages near Kyiv and Nova Odessa in the south near Mykolaiv) and loved them and became theirs (свои) as well. Like family because while we lived there, we took in two children who became our family and called me Mom and live in the U.S. today. I always do my best to help my loved ones when they are hurting. It is clear to the world that Ukraine is hurting. I want to use my abilities to help.
Melanie Smith, RN
is going to Ukraine
It’s my desire to serve the vulnerable and hurting individuals suffering from distressing circumstances. With great honor, I am blessed to be able to join Global Care Force to volunteer November 6-19 as we share and support the resilient people of Ukraine.
Brian Cullen, RN
is going to Ukraine
I wanted to volunteer because I have always been a protector, that is why I will serve in Ukraine with the Mobile Medical Team from November 6-19. I have felt it my duty to help those who cannot help themselves or just need someone to lend them a caring hand. We should always be willing to offer our skills to those who need it most.
Lisa Fleischer, MD
is going to Ukraine
The first time I contemplated becoming a doctor was at age 8. My grandmother took me to tour the SS Hope, a traveling medical facility. Helping others while exploring new places seemed like life for me! I have traveled to several countries, donating my time as a family physician. When I learned about Global Care Forces’ efforts in Ukraine, I signed up to volunteer November 6-19. I know it will be meaningful, well organized and address the medical needs of Ukrainians. I trust we will be ambassadors of goodwill, improve lives and be profoundly affected by this deployment.
Daniel Siebenaller, PA
is going to Ukraine
I am a physician assistant who has always had an interest in improving global health. Global Care Force’s opportunity to assist the war stricken Ukrainian people will allow me to do a small part in improving access to global healthcare. I look forward to serving Global Care Force’s mobile care team from November 6-19 to deliver primary care medicine to the greatest number of patients.
Mary Burns, RN
is going to El Paso
One of my greatest joys is to welcome and support refugees and immigrants to our country. Besides providing nursing care to those who need it, I love to give hope to people who have not felt hopeful for a long time, and let them know that they are accepted and welcomed in our country. What makes me happiest is seeing someone who has lost trust in humanity begin to trust again and feel worthy and valued. That glimmer of hope seen in their eyes is wonderful! I am grateful to be able to volunteer with Global Care Force at the southern border in El Paso from November 7-21.
Justin Sipiora, MD
is going to Ukraine
I have been inspired by the resilience and patriotism of the Ukrainian people. I have also been deeply moved by the suffering of innocent Ukrainians. For the past three years I have been training to be a doctor and I can think of no better way to put my skills to use now than by providing whatever help I can to these courageous people. That’s why I am volunteering with Global Care Force in Ukraine from December 4-17.
Heather Shew, RN
is going to Ukraine
Inefficacious is my sympathy when unpaired with action. The immense sorrow rendered in me was not enough. God cultivated this desire to go and serve Ukraine from December 4-17 with the Mobile Medical Team.
Angela Whaley, RN
is going to Ukraine
Ukraine has held a special place in my heart for years after visiting, and I have waited for the opportunity to return. The heartbreak and desolation the people of Ukraine have experienced over this past year are unimaginable. Their resolve and resilience are inspirational. With my skills as a nurse and my love for people, I can give back, and I am blessed to volunteer with Global Care Force from December 4-17.
Chris May, MD
is going to Ukraine
I entered medical school to help people who NEED medical care, not just those who can pay for it or have insurance. That priority affected my decision to specialize in emergency medicine and to practice in rural and underserved communities.
My desire to travel to Ukraine from December 4-17 seems like a natural progression. When I saw the number of displaced Ukrainians without health care, I was excited to find that Global Care Force was already taking medical supplies and professionals to help. I hope to help patients there…and remind myself why I started working in healthcare in the first place.
Casey Fetterhoff, EMT
is going to Ukraine
Since I was 16, I’ve found that the greatest goal in life is to help provide those less fortunate with the same level of care, respect, and comfort that I enjoy. I see no reason why a human being should suffer in any capacity while there are others with the capacity to provide aid to them. I believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive and overcome circumstances beyond their control. Ukraine is an area where thousands are suffering needlessly, and I believe it is the duty of those who are able to aid where we can. That’s why I am volunteering with Global Care Force in February 2024.
Volunteers Who Have Served
Lucy Mckeon, MD
served in Rosarito
I returned to Rosarito, Mexico to serve with the Missionaries of Charity Sisters from July 18 to August 2, 2023 to provide primary care for elderly men experiencing chronic illness and homelessness. Caring for these dear men and serving alongside the Sisters is a true blessing!
Ken Jenks, PA
served in El Paso
It was an honor to serve in El Paso with Global Care Force from July 23 to August 3, 2023. I have volunteered in Mexico and the United States at the border since 2018. That is when I learned of the deaths of two Guatemalan immigrant children who died in separate incidents after they crossed into the United States from dehydration, liver failure, and complications from influenza.
Eduardo Resto, RN and Amy Graf, LPN
served in Ukraine
If we can make a difference in someone’s life, that’s good, but is that enough? How can we know if our beliefs are solid if we don’t put them to the test, and how can we see the light if we don’t look at the dark! I volunteered with the mobile medical team in Ukraine in November 2022 and the experience was profound. I returned to serve again from July 4-20 with my wife, Amy Graf. We’ve had many blessings, and it’s our way to give back. The resiliency of the Ukrainian people is inspiring, and I was fortunate to see the patients again.
Alla Kapustina, PA
served in Ukraine
I am Alla Kapustina, a Physician Assistant currently practicing in New York. As I was born and raised in Borzna, Ukraine, participating in a medical mission during times of conflict was extremely meaningful to me. I volunteered with Global Care Force from July 4-20 and was able to provide much-needed care and support to those who have been impacted by the war. I aspire to bring hope and healing to communities that have been devastated by violence and loss.”
Jewel Maeda, RN
served in El Paso
I acknowledge the humanity and dignity of all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. I wish to provide welcoming and respectful health care to those who arrive at our border for any reason, especially women and children. I volunteered with Global Care Force from July 5-19 to care for those in need.
Micaela Marker, PA
served in Ukraine
I have long felt called to help people that find themselves suffering from unexpected circumstances. I was humbled to serve with Global Care Force from July 4-20 to restore some consistent medical care to the people in Ukraine whose lives have been completely upturned by a war they did not choose.
Nicholas Baker, PA
served in Ukraine
Kristeen Ryan, RN
served in Ukraine
My husband and I have served the Church of the Nazarene as pastors and missionaries for 40 years. Since retiring from active nursing in 2019, I have prayed about opportunities to serve internationally. I feel my experience would be useful in Ukraine, so I was blessed to serve with Global Care Force from July 4-20. There could not be a more needed place to show the love of God than in Ukraine.
Rebecca Porter, RN
served in Ukraine
I felt called to volunteer as a nurse in Ukraine from June 13-30 because I want to support the Ukrainian people who remain resilient in the face of the Russian invasion. I have followed the news from the start of the war, and I am in awe of the strength, bravery, and solidarity of Ukrainians. I want to do my bit to help. I am an experienced nurse, and I know that I will be able to put my training and experience to good use.
David Hilmers, MD
served in Ukraine
Doug Amis, PA
served in Ukraine
I was honored to serve in Ukraine in November 2022 with the primary care team and served again from June 13-30. The Ukrainian people are the kindest, most beautiful people and they have suffered greatly. Global Care Force’s mobile medical clinics play a lot of catch up with these patients who went too long without medical treatment. I returned because medical volunteers are needed to continue caring for the Ukrainian people.
Guy and Marilynn Fiocco, MD
served in El Paso
We believe health is a global human right. That is why Guy and I served in El Paso from June 3-17 to provide medical care for asylum seekers and migrants. We served twice in Ukraine with Global Care Force and were humbled by the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people. That same courage is shown by those traveling to the U.S. border in search of a safer life for their families.
Victor Otero, MD
served in El Paso
When I started my medical career my goal was to bring the best primary care possible to everyone who needs it. Back home, I have served during earthquakes, storms, and difficult times when people require more than medicine, a touch of humanity so hope is never lost. When I heard about the opportunity to serve in Ukraine, I was motivated to go, but the timing was not right. Now in El Paso there is a medical necessity that Global Care Force is responding to, and I was more than thankful for the opportunity to volunteer from June 3-10 to bring relief to a population that is in need.
Jayme Hanrahan, RN
served in Ukraine
I am fortunate I grew up in a family that values service and helping people. I’ve worked with government and nonprofit organizations in disaster response, advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer management. Later, I went to nursing school to become an RN. The people of Ukraine are hurting and need help. I was privileged to serve with the Global Care Force mobile medical team from May 2-19 to assist communities who have lost access to basic healthcare. Please consider supporting other medical volunteers as we serve the Ukrainian people in their time of need.
Guy and Marilynn Fiocco, MD
served in Ukraine
Guy and I were humbled by the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people when we volunteered last November with Global Care Force’s mobile medical clinic. We deployed for a second time from May 2-19 to provide primary care to Ukrainians in locations where the clinic is the only opportunity for patients to receive care and free medications. We were blessed to serve the people of Ukraine.
Kristopher Kuszak, PA
served in Ukraine
I’m unbelievably blessed to have been entrusted with the gift God gave me for providing medical care to my local community. Medical missions have always intrigued me, but I’ve never had the opportunity to take part until I served with Global Care Force in Ukraine from May 2-19 providing primary medical care to those in need. It is easy to feel disconnected to the war in Ukraine since it’s thousands of miles away, especially when it seems there is no way for us to effect change. This trip with Global Care Force was a way that I could make a small but actionable difference.
Brad Yarbrough, Volunteer
served in Ukraine
The people of Ukraine desperately need help. You would personally deliver it if circumstances permitted. I am grateful that I was able to volunteer in this war-torn country from May 2-19. I’ve been to Ukraine many times over the past 15 years and had the privilege to work with businesses and government leaders who want to make positive societal changes. The people, like us, want freedom and a healthy culture in which to raise families. Many friends have now fled Ukraine, while scores of others are fighting for their national freedom. Please consider supporting future volunteers in delivering critical medical care to communities where services have been terribly disrupted. Global Care Force volunteers represent you and your love to Ukrainians. They need to know that we care.
Wesley Clark, MD
served in Ukraine
I volunteered with Global Care Force from May 2-19 because like many of us not directly affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I felt strongly that I want to do something to help. Somewhere deep down inside, I do believe in human progress, and I really thought that this – the invasion of a small country by a big one for the purposes of territorial conquest – was a thing of the past. The Ukrainians are, with great bravery, saying “this is no longer acceptable,” and we who agree with them need to help them say it. My most useful skills are medical; it is with those skills that I can be most helpful, and it is those skills I want to offer.
Peter Stefanski, MD
served in Ukraine
Since the war in Ukraine began, I’ve been impressed by the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people. That’s why I volunteered with Global Care Force’s mobile medical clinic from April 11-29. I am inspired by the Ukrainian people.
Carlyn Coates, PA
served in Ukraine
Medicine has always called to me as a way to serve others. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of those around the world, but I often feel too small or insignificant to make actual changes or impact. I volunteered in Ukraine from April 11-28 to serve those in crisis and give back a little of what has been given to me and be a force for good in a time of darkness.
Svetlana Reznikova, Physician
served in Ukraine
Kristina Shaffer-Zard, RN
served in Ukraine
Like all of us, I was heartbroken watching the devastating and unfortunate events unfold in Ukraine. I have dedicated my entire career to easing the burden of my suffering patients, and a situation like this called to my heart. I want to help where I can, heal those in need, and more than anything provide comfort, compassion and humanity to those living through the trauma of the past year. That’s why I served with Global Care Force from April 11-28, providing medical relief, in hope to make a positive impact during such a catastrophic time.
David Morgan Peterson, PA
served in Ukraine
Zachary Bair, DO
served in Ukraine
As an Emergency Physician, I have dedicated my life to helping others. The feeling of being useful and of knowing I helped someone in their time of need motivates me every day. Like the rest of the world, I was horrified watching the war in Ukraine unfold. I knew I wanted to help in any way possible. I was honored to volunteer in Ukraine from April 11-27 with Global Care Force’s mobile clinic team. Please consider donating to GCF to help support these incredibly important missions.
Anthony Albrecht, ER Assistant
served in Ukraine
I believe every person deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. That’s why I volunteered in Ukraine April 11-28 with Global Care Force. I want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. I chose Global Care Force’s Primary Care Team because I knew volunteering in Ukraine would allow me to gain valuable experience and personal growth (ahead of PA school this June), to make a positive difference in the world. FTK (For the Kids)!
James Marcum, PA
served in Ukraine
I’ve always told my kids to treat others well and to have no regrets on what you should have done. I am at the stage in my career where I felt I needed to do more rather than sit on the sidelines and watch what is going on in Ukraine. I knew if I didn’t do something now and take this opportunity to serve, I would regret it. I could have donated money, but I have a skill that I can offer to help others who are seeing their country slowly being destroyed. That’s why I volunteered with the mobile medical team from March 7-24.
Toni Magalei, RN
served in Ukraine
I graduated from nursing school at the start of the pandemic. Before starting my career, I had the opportunity to volunteer in the Chickasaw Nation with COVID Care Force (now Global Care Force). It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Now as a “seasoned” nurse, I am ready to expand and serve communities beyond my own, which is why I volunteered in Ukraine from March 7-24. I’ve been blessed in this life, and I strongly desire to dedicate my life to bridging the gap in health disparities in the world.
Merrill Conant, MD
served in Ukraine
Aaron Mishler, RN
served in Ukraine
I’ve always believed in what I call “fighting the good fight,” helping those who need help and trying to repair what’s broken in the world. That’s why I went to Ukraine February 7-24, 2023 to serve with a primary care team. The people in Ukraine need help, and I would feel terrible if one day my daughter asked me why those people are suffering, and I could only say that I could have helped but chose not to, so I raised my hand to go. But most importantly, it was the right thing to do.
Michelle Whitford, MD
served in Ukraine
Michelle Martinez-Torrez, PA
served in Ukraine
Monte Schmidt, Volunteer
served in Ukraine
Richard Patnoe, Volunteer
served in Ukraine
Josh Wallbrecht, MD
served in Ukraine
I served with the mobile medical team in Ukraine in December. Global Care Force provided an opportunity to serve the medical needs of the Ukrainian people, who have weighed heavy on my heart since the war began. Please consider supporting future volunteers serving in Ukraine.
Ryan Butler, DO
served in Ukraine
Sonia Santana, Medical Assistant
served in Ukraine
In December, I served in Ukraine with the primary care team because I wanted to try and make a difference in someone’s life. The faces of words and gratitude amid the tragedy and destruction will remain engraved in my memory forever. Please consider supporting future volunteers in Ukraine.
Cath Glennon, RN
served in Ukraine
Jodi Cook, Surgical Technologist
served in Rosarito, Mexico
I feel God sent me to care for the elderly men in Rosarito. I traveled to Mexico in November to serve as a caregiver for these sweet men. I love working alongside the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity to provide wound care, physical therapy, administer medications, and anything else they need help with so these men know they are loved and respected. Please consider supporting future volunteers to Rosarito.
Ginny Gregory, NP
served in Ukraine
I was truly blessed to serve the people of Ukraine whose healthcare system had been disrupted by the war. I served with a primary care team in October and I hope in some small way made someone feel less afraid and not forgotten. Please consider supporting future volunteers to Ukraine.
Kirsten Larson, RN
served in Ukraine
As a nurse, I feel called to help those in need – to make someone’s bad day a little better. In October, I served in Ukraine with a primary care team. Serving the Ukrainian people whose lives have been so profoundly disrupted was a humbling experience. They continue to need our help. Please consider supporting future volunteers to Ukraine.
Stuart Richards, PA
served in Ukraine
Robert Winokur, MD
served in Ukraine
The need is obvious for the citizens of Ukraine, which is why I served in October with a primary care team. It was a privilege and an honor to serve those in need and provide much needed care and comfort to the Ukrainian people. Please consider supporting future volunteers to Ukraine.
Patrick Jordan, GP
served in Ukraine
My heart is in medical missions, and going where the need is great. That is why I served in Ukraine in October with Global Care Force providing primary care to Ukrainians who remain in the country they love so dearly. Please consider supporting future volunteers to Ukraine.
Andrew Villa, MD and Renee Villa
served in Ukraine
Stephen Kineke, MD
served in Ukraine
I deployed with the first Global Care Force primary and urgent care team in Ukraine from September 10-25. What is happening in Ukraine is heartbreaking and I felt the need to help. I will be returning with a team in February 2023.
Rebecca Reeser
served in Ukraine
I went back to school and embraced a second career in nursing so I could do medical missions. I deployed to Ukraine from September 10-25 where my hope was to be the hands and feet of Jesus and care for the Ukrainian people to they know they are not forgotten.
Sergiy Dzyba
Ukrainian host
Pastor Sergiy Dzyba serves as the in-country host for the Global Care Force primary care teams in Ukraine. Sergiy organizes the mobile medical clinic locations and coordinates logistics such as food, lodging, transportation, and translator services. He provides spiritual care, food, and welfare checks for Ukrainians unable to evacuate from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Donations to Pastor Dzyba cover his expenses in support of Global Care Force volunteers.
FAQ
What is “Connect to Care”?
“Connect to Care” is a hub for people to donate to a volunteer raising funds to cover the expenses of their volunteer service, helping them have a successful volunteer experience!
How are the fundraising goals calculated?
Fundraising goals are projected costs associated with the volunteer service, including travel, lodging, meals, and administrative services.
Who does my donation support?
Donations can be directed to individuals fundraising for a volunteer service or as an unrestricted gift to Global Care Force in support of any volunteer service in under-resourced communities.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Global Care Force is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Ready to volunteer?
GCF is seeking qualified medical volunteers to respond and care for displaced Ukrainians. Volunteers must be fluent in Ukrainian and/or Russian and able to volunteer for 14 days or more.