Marize Ibrahim

C'est avec beaucoup de fierté que je m'engage à titre de volontaire afin d'offrir mes compétences à des partenaires de Terre Sans Frontières.

Merci d'être solidaire avec moi!
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Dear family, friends, and colleagues,

I accidentally fell into the world of oncology after I completed my Masters in Physiotherapy at McGill University and have been so blessed for such an opportunity.

I am now setting out on a humanitarian mission to Kibosho, Tanzania for 3 weeks. This mission is one I've always dreamed of doing and finally feel like I have enough experience to give back to a country that perhaps may not have the means to be exposed to oncology rehab that we are fortunate and blessed with here.

The mission to Tanzania is inspired by previous missions where therapist have gone to share their specialized knowledge with the local therapists. We do not provide direct clinical care to patients since this is not a sustainable model. Our model strives to build the therapists knowledge so they are able to treat patients and not depend on us for treating them for only a short period of time.

As medical advancement in oncology continues to increase, survival rates have increased as well, however improved survival does not necessarily equate to improvement in quality of life. Both acute and long term sequelae are prevalent anywhere from range of motion impairments, decreased strength, impaired balance, mobility restrictions, lymphedema risk, amputations and even complete paralysis (from treatment).

Missions like this require a certain amount of money, as my time is volunteered. To date, I've been blessed with so many friends, family and oncology co-workers who have supported me with very kind donations.

I honestly have no words to describe how thankful I am to you for supporting me on this journey. I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to you, my colleague, friends and family for your generous donation that will have a major impact on helping hundreds of our Tanzanian colleagues and the thousands of patients whom they will ultimately help.

Sincerely yours,
Marize Ibrahim