October 13, 2009

Hello. My name is Ijeamaka Priscilla Obodoagha. I am currently a junior at Cornell University as a double major-Biological Sciences. I am writing to you on behalf of five undergraduate Cornell students –Angelique Boyer, Nkoli Akaolisa, Ariel Brown, Lee-Ann Lugg, and myself – that are planning an international service project this winter through the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC). FIMRC is national organization that tries to provide medical care to the underprivileged children in areas that proper health care is not accessible. FIMRC also encourages student-led service projects to developing nations in which proper pediatric care is hard to come across. One project that is associated with FIMRC is Project Alajuelita, Costa Rica. 

Project Costa Rica tries to establish an effective health care system for the undeserved Costa Rican community. In many areas, a triage health care system is in place, and it is FIMRC's goal to change it into a system in which continuous care is given by biannual visits, allowing for a closer monitoring of individuals health. Many of the primary health issues that impoverished Costa Rican citizens are facing, such as head lice, bronchial infections, and malnutrition, could have easily been prevented if individuals are given the chance to go to a health clinic in which they are able to receive basic medical attention. Since its inception in 2006, it has been the goal of Project Costa Rica to decrease the number of pediatric malnutrition residing in the community, help to curve the spread of preventable endemic diseases, and promote programs in health education.

Project Costa Rica offers a great international volunteer experience for premedical students and students interested in public and global health. As undergraduates, we will be able to gain clinical experience by shadowing doctors, administering medication, and take patients' vitals in a clinical setting. We will also be able to help build the health education curriculum and teach basic health education seminars. This service opportunity would help to give students firsthand experience on what some of the health issues prevalent outside of our borders, as well as help service an area that is desperately in need of health-related assistance.

While our planning for the trip has been going extremely well so far, securing adequate funding is presently our biggest concern. Because of the current economic climate, it is harder for us to accumulate the funds necessary to conduct this service project. Currently, Cornell University has imposed budget cuts for student international traveling, making it harder to set up service projects.  The budgeted amount our entire group of five for the two week duration from January 2, 2010 to January 16, 2010 is $15,000, a sum which every member has the obligation to fund raise through personal and group endeavors. This price includes airfare, program fee, housing, vaccinations, food, and other travel expenses that we will encounter while in Costa Rica.

We are asking for you to please help provide Project Costa Rica the financial assistance that we need to make our trip possible with a donation that can help to subsidize our expenses. Any amount that you are willing to pledge to help make this trip possible would be greatly appreciated.  By being a sponsor, you will help allow us to gain new perspectives on the issues facing this world and different communities. Not only will the people of Costa Rica benefit from this project, but you as well would benefit by knowing that you indirectly impacted change in the world by enabling us to do volunteer work through your funds. Also, your contribution is 100% tax deductible. All checks and money orders can be written out to FIMRC and be sent to:

FIMRC

336C Keeton House

Ithaca, NY 14853

Your support is greatly needed, and any contribution you can make to help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ipo2@cornell.edu, or you can contact a FIMRC representative at info@fimrc.org.
Thank you so much for taking your time to read this letter, and for your willingness to help us in our project. If possible we would like to here from you by November 5, 2009. We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely,

Ijeamaka P. Obodoagha