Tell us a little about yourselves. What is your background and where are you from?

I am a semi-retired family physician. I grew up outside of Chicago, attended medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, and completed my residency in Minneapolis. When I moved to Washington for a fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology, I knew there was no going back to the Midwest, and I have lived and practiced in Washington and Oregon since 1987. My husband is a retired ICU doctor. We have one son, who is about to become a Daddy for the first time next month!

How did you hear about Global Care Force?

I saw a news story about a local nurse who was raising funds to go to Ukraine with GCF.

You have volunteered with Global Care Force (GCF) in Ukraine. Tell us when and what you did.  

In February 2024, I traveled with GCF to provide care for nine or 10 villages that Russian forces had recently occupied. This year, in April, we provided care in six villages, also previously occupied, and two refugee centers housing people who had been displaced from their homes by the war. Most had been living in dormitory-type settings for almost three years and could not return home because their homes had been destroyed or were still occupied.

What motivated you the first time to volunteer, and what inspired you to return?

I had been looking for an opportunity to volunteer since the war started. I volunteered in Ukraine in 2001, helping a small village establish a primary care clinic, and fell in love with the people, which led me to want to return. I found one organization that I went to Poland with, but I wanted to go into Ukraine. GCF is the only one doing this, as far as I know.

Can you share a story about a patient, staff member or fellow volunteer who made a lasting impression on you? What memories will stay with you? 

On both trips, I was shocked and saddened by the stories of violence and crimes against civilians under Russian occupation. It is truly unbelievable how resilient these people are to have survived such atrocities and to keep working to rebuild their villages, trying to return to a new state of normal. These are poor, simple farmers who had very little before this war and now must find the strength to replant their gardens and fields, on which they rely for sustenance, knowing that mines are still present in the soil. Almost all of them have lost family members to this invasion. And yet they go on.

The faces of elderly women, most of whom appear much older than their actual ages due to the harsh circumstances of life in rural Ukraine, stoically share their stories and express such gratitude for our presence, that is unforgettable. Watching a mother cry as she told the story of seeing her 34-year-old son decapitated by shrapnel from a missile while sitting in his front yard with a friend is something I cannot unsee.

Luckily, we were able to provide trauma support for these people who have lost so much. Giving them tools to share long after we have returned to the US is a wonderful asset of GCF.

Anything that surprised you about your volunteer service? 

I have done similar work in El Salvador and Poland. Ukraine was the first trip where I was close enough to hear drones on occasion and, of course, daily and nightly air raid sirens. After a few days, they don’t startle you as much, but upon return, I always find myself a bit more aware of the sounds around me.

Tell us what you’ve learned about the Ukrainian culture and the people. What would you want people to know?  

There are two very different Ukrainians. There are urbanized people who live in the big cities with all the advantages and access to care, internet, cell phones, etc. And then there are the villagers. These are small, multigenerational communities in the country with limited access to the outside world. Families have lived there for generations, and they are used to fending for themselves. Indoor plumbing is a luxury and essentially nonexistent. Water is carried from central supplies in some villages. They grow their vegetables and raise their livestock. In some villages, you will see older people walking their cows to the local grazing spot every day. They support each other in every way and are dedicated to their simple way of life.

Other volunteers have said they get more in return from volunteering than they give. Would you agree and why? 

When you see how people exist in the 21st century in these quaint villages, hear stories of the treatment these simple people were subjected to by Russian forces, and see the resilience in their faces and actions, how can you not learn something about yourself and others? A smile, a hug, and a sincere thank you for coming. These are so impactful.

If someone is considering volunteering with Global Care Force, what would you tell them?

Just do it. You will not look back. You will be well cared for. The days will be long, but they will be so worthwhile. Be prepared for long, somewhat uncomfortable days of travel. And remember that you will be inconvenienced for a few days; these noble people have been defending themselves for years.

Is anything else you would like to share about your experience with GCF?

I am impressed with the accessibility of those who organize the trips and the support you will have with you all the time in Ukraine. You will never feel alone. You have direct access to all the support staff at any time.

Interested in volunterring with Global Care Force? Learn more!