Just in case anyone still wants to donate....here is the paypal link! Remember anything above and beyond the costs of trip go directly to MGVP! Fundraiser was great, but still slightly shy of my goal...
Thank you all so much!
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Sunday, April 11, 2010
Fundraiser was a success!
So, here I go...my very first attempt at creating a blog. Those of you who know me well know how much of an accomplishment just getting this far is for me!
I intend to keep all of my supporters up to date this summer while I am traveling in Rwanda and surrounding areas working with Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. Although my internet usage will be limited, I will do the best I can to relay my adventures back home.
I have booked my flight, held my fundraiser, and am now able to start focusing on what I will actually be doing once I arrive. I have been told that I will initially spend time with sector vets (who have about a high school education) traveling to cow and goat farms to treat animals and collect samples. I will then get to teach some students ways to improve their lab techniques and hopefully share some new methods. I believe this is how I will mainly be spending my time, although there may be plans for me that I am unaware of. How, you may ask, will this help the gorillas? Let me explain....
There are only 740 of these gentle giants left in the world, and they are all right where I will be. It is unacceptable that years of warfare, poaching, and deforestation has almost completely wiped out these incredible animals. I strongly encourage everyone to visit www.gorilladoctors.org to read about their "One Health" approach. Essentially, if we can show Rwandans how to be self sufficient in their farming, and how to create and use bio bricks vs. destroying the forest to create coal, they will have no reason to go into mountains and disturb the majestic gorillas.
The unfortunate thing about gorillas is that they are susceptible to all diseases that humans can get, so having a ton of tourists, soldiers, natives, etc. tramp through their forest can cause some serious problems with disease. Its a bit of a double edged sword because in order to get locals into the preservation of gorillas, it has to have a benefit for them. Tourism brings a lot of money to the country. The issue is that tourists also bring disease, but what is one supposed to do?
I am excited to say that I will get the opportunity to trek with the gorillas and I intend to bring home pictures/video so I can share as much of my experience as possible with all of you.
I truly appreciate all of your support, it was great to see all of you who could make it out to the fundraiser, and for those who sent generous donations and/or words of encouragement, thank you so very much. I still have some shirts left over if anyone would like to purchase another one, shoot me an email!!
I intend to keep all of my supporters up to date this summer while I am traveling in Rwanda and surrounding areas working with Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. Although my internet usage will be limited, I will do the best I can to relay my adventures back home.
I have booked my flight, held my fundraiser, and am now able to start focusing on what I will actually be doing once I arrive. I have been told that I will initially spend time with sector vets (who have about a high school education) traveling to cow and goat farms to treat animals and collect samples. I will then get to teach some students ways to improve their lab techniques and hopefully share some new methods. I believe this is how I will mainly be spending my time, although there may be plans for me that I am unaware of. How, you may ask, will this help the gorillas? Let me explain....
There are only 740 of these gentle giants left in the world, and they are all right where I will be. It is unacceptable that years of warfare, poaching, and deforestation has almost completely wiped out these incredible animals. I strongly encourage everyone to visit www.gorilladoctors.org to read about their "One Health" approach. Essentially, if we can show Rwandans how to be self sufficient in their farming, and how to create and use bio bricks vs. destroying the forest to create coal, they will have no reason to go into mountains and disturb the majestic gorillas.
The unfortunate thing about gorillas is that they are susceptible to all diseases that humans can get, so having a ton of tourists, soldiers, natives, etc. tramp through their forest can cause some serious problems with disease. Its a bit of a double edged sword because in order to get locals into the preservation of gorillas, it has to have a benefit for them. Tourism brings a lot of money to the country. The issue is that tourists also bring disease, but what is one supposed to do?
I am excited to say that I will get the opportunity to trek with the gorillas and I intend to bring home pictures/video so I can share as much of my experience as possible with all of you.
I truly appreciate all of your support, it was great to see all of you who could make it out to the fundraiser, and for those who sent generous donations and/or words of encouragement, thank you so very much. I still have some shirts left over if anyone would like to purchase another one, shoot me an email!!
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