Fellow Rotarians, I offered to help raise funds so that soon-to-be Rotarian Emily Patterson is able to join Rotarian Claudine Schooley on a trip to the Ukraine. In order for international grants to be considered, a community assessment needs to be done. Many of you heard about this project when Claudine spoke a few weeks ago. I'll be contributing to help her, so has her Uncle. If you're inclined and able, please let her know if you can also help cover her costs! See Emily's ask below: My name is Emily Patterson. I wear many different hats at this point in my life: I am a masters of public health student at Kent State University, I am the Volunteer Coordinator at SouthernCare Hospice in Cuyahoga Falls, I work in a laboratory at Kent State researching antibiotic resistance, and a soon to be Rotarian. I am currently working with the Rotary Club of Akron and God's Hidden Treasures on a pediatric wheelchair and transportation project. Today, wheelchairs are not well suited for life in Ukraine. We are looking to work with engineering students at The University of Akron to adapt a wheelchair to the specific needs of the disabled children and their caregivers in Ukraine. Secondly, we are looking to donate an equipped van to both transport children and adults with disabilities and to take the wheelchairs and necessary medical equipment to people in need. In order for the project to happen, we need to complete community assessments in Ukraine. I am looking to go to Ukraine this November with Claudine Schooley (Akron Rotarian) and Nita Hanson (President of God's Hidden Treasures) to talk with the families to better understand the needs of the community. Without this key element, we might misunderstand the needs and provide a wheelchair that does not help the current problem. The funds I am trying to raise will pay for my roundtrip plane tickets and lodging in Ukraine. Any extra money will be donated directly to the project. Best Regards, Emily |
How to reach her:
Emily's email is epatter3@kent.edu.
Make check payable to either Emily Patterson or the Akron Rotary Foundation (please indicate Emily Patterson in the memo field). Funds paid to the foundation will be used to directly reimburse Emily's expenses.
Goal: $2,000
Donated to date: $1,400
Thank you!
Sandy Naragon
