DENJA CHASSE
Staff Writer
“The health of a nation depends on the health of its women.”
These words by Dr. Leo Lagasse embody the fundamental beliefs by which Medicine for Humanity operates. Medicine for Humanity is a non-profit organization, soon to be headquartered in Encino and currently located in Malibu. Co-founded by Lagasse, the organization is committed to cervical cancer control in third world countries.
Since its founding in 1995, Medicine for Humanity has sought to improve the lives of cancer-stricken women worldwide by reaching out to the otherwise overlooked women and providing them with physical and emotional support during their cancer treatment.
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for young women in developing countries. It claims an estimated 273,500 lives a year as well as 475 000 new cases annually. Furthermore, 85 percent of the women affected by the disease live in the third world. Many of the women who are treated by Medicine for Humanity would without their efforts be deprived of necessary treatment due to the inadequate healthcare facilities in their countries. Medicine for Humanity also enables many women to get tested for early detection to reduce this largely preventable disease.
The Medicine for Humanity’s team of specialists is led by Lagasse, professor emeritus of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA School of Medicine. He and his team of world renown cancer specialists and highly qualified gynecologists as well as surgical, medical and radiation oncologists provide excellent care to these otherwise neglected women.
In addition to testing and treatment, Medicine for Humanity provides on-site teaching and learning resources and telemedicine applications.
In the past 10 years, Medicine for Humanity has led missions all over the third world, helping to eliminate the spread of cervical cancer. The missions last two weeks and involve rigorous training of the local medical community. Some of these efforts include the Philippines, Mexico, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Their latest endeavor is in Eritrea, one of Africa’s newest countries. Unfortunately, Eritrea’s cancer treatment and prevention is scarce. According to Medicine for Humanity, there is a high rate of malignant tumors as well as appalling child baring conditions. Not only is pre-natal care virtually non-existent, some women have to endure labor for up to seven days. This is not to mention the unspeakable treatment that may ensue.
One woman describes her harrowing experience on the organizations website. “I was in labor for 6 days. It took me 26 hours to get to the hospital. I thought I was going to die.”
While the woman in question survived the ordeal, her baby did not. Because of the extensive labor she underwent, she developed a fistula or tear in the bladder. Thanks to the Medicine for Humanity team, her fistula was mended and she returned home.
But according to Dr. Clifford Wheeless at Johns Hopkins on Medicine for Humanity’s website, many women are not as lucky. “The problem with fistula women is that she becomes a social outcast, often her husband will divorce her. Due to her offensive odor, her family will sometimes build a hut for her to live in behind the house. Sometimes she’ll be forced from the village. There have been reports of these girls being attacked by hyenas and wild dogs.”
While Medicine for Humanity is doing all it can to help these women, resources are limited and donations are greatly appreciated. Medicine for Humanity encourages medical professionals to approach them regarding upcoming missions as well as Medical students looking for an unparalleled opportunity. “We’ve taken a few college students over the years.” Says Leo Lagasse; but he strongly urges more to get involved.
However, the non-profit organization also relies on financial gifts to keep its vision alive. In the words of Dr. Legasse, “These women don’t have to die.” Let’s not let them.
Any contributions can be sent to the following:
Medicine for Humanity
15821 Ventura Blvd. Suite 645
Encino, California 91436
(All donations are tax deductible)
Volunteer and partnership information can be obtained from Executive Director, Debbie Bitticks at 818 455 4071. More information can be found at www.medicineforhumanity.org.
12-15-2005