Physicians for Peace CEO, Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF Ret.) shares his thoughts on returning from the recent VVF mission in Nigeria:
There are moments in one’s life that become defining. For me, this past week was one…on multiple fronts. I can honestly say after multiple trips to Africa, Asia, the Americas, eastern Europe and elsewhere watching the work of our volunteers, none has touched me like what I experienced this past week. I was personally brought to tears on more than one occasion as I looked into the frightened—yet hopeful—eyes of these beautiful Nigerian girls and tried so unsuccessfully to imagine in some way their experience. Why should they have to suffer so?
But that needless suffering was countered by knowing this incredible team of medical professionals had given of their time and talent to restore hope and life where there was little or none before. YOU ALL WERE AMAZING! Under the most difficult of conditions, each of you came together as a team united in one common goal…and you achieved it. THANKS!
I could go on indefinitely about each of you and what you brought to the effort…but it was about teamwork…and we all succeeded as a team.
I took away so many images and emotions, but none so indelible as this coming together of Nigerians and Americans to change the lives of these innocent, vulnerable girls. As their lives were changed, so, too, was mine.
My thanks to Jaya Tiwari for her magic in making all the moving parts work together; to Dr. Emejuru for his steadfast love of his homeland which got us there; to Dr. Sa’ad for his surgical brilliance and leadership; and to all of you for your friendship, your selflessness and your heroic efforts in the face of some pretty difficult odds.
You have served Physicians for Peace and those we teach and heal well. We are grateful.
With great respect,
Ron
