I’m running for lots of reasons – exercise,  the thrill of the race, solitude, and because I haven’t done a race since my ankle injury in 2005 training for the Chicago Marathon. But most importantly, I’m running to support Physicians for Peace.

This year, we’ve set a collective staff goal to raise $50,000. I know this sounds unattainable during this economy, so let’s break it down into smaller chunks. “Baby steps” as many of our volunteers say after returning from a mission. Unless you’re one of my few and proud higher, two-income earning families (please donate generously), I’m asking you to donate just $20 and then share this facebook link to your page.

The money we raise will go to a worthy cause. I know because I recently returned from a medical mission in Nicaragua this summer and came back with a new appreciation for why I work here. We see poverty around us, but we don’t see the level of poverty that is standard in many of these countries we travel to help train and educate their medical professionals. I met little three year old Eva who was burned by a hot pot of soup that fell on her head. Our training of her physical therapists will not only greatly improve her chances of full mobility and health, but also minimize the scars on her face. 

Our work is impressive. In 2010, Physicians for Peace organized 48 medical missions in 19 countries. At Physicians for Peace, we focus on long-term, sustainable, replicable medical education and training, sending teams of medical volunteers — including physicians, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals — to places where their teaching and healing skills are needed most.

To carry out these missions, we rely on volunteers’ time and expertise, but we also rely on financial support. And that’s where you come in. How can you help me reach my personal fundraising goal of $5,000? Support my run for November 14th  by contributing directly to Physicians for Peace – and that support will last much longer than a day.

Donating is easy. You can either send a check written out to:

Physicians for Peace
500 E. Main Street, Suite 900
Norfolk, VA 23510

Or even easier, pledge your support by donating online directly - CLICK HERE

Thank you for your support…. Ellen Libby, Physicians for Peace