Help Nurse Deb get on board Mercy Ship (Take Two)

Over 5 billion people on the face of the earth lack access to safe surgical and medical care.

That statement alone explains why Mercy Ships exists.

I was due to go on board Africa Mercy on September 4th 2016 but due to financial and time constraints, I've been forced to push my trip back. I will now be going on board from 1st January 2017 until 5th February 2017. What a way to start the new year!!!

** I had a previous page which closed as there was no option to extend the time frame, hence why this new page has been created. All funds from the previous page will be transferred to this page*

"Africa Mercy” is the largest medical ship in the world (152m), run by the non-governmental organisation, Mercy Ships. A crew of over 400 people from all around the world volunteer their skills to help make this hospital run. It serves some of the poorest nations in the world to deliver first world health care and surgery to people who would otherwise have no access to treatment.

I will live and work on board full time as a Paediatric nurse, caring for patients post-surgery until they are well enough to return to their homes.

"Africa Mercy" Ship consists of 6 operating rooms and 5 wards. Free surgery on board is offered for eye disease, dental problems, maxilla-facial and orthopaedic conditions, facial disfigurement, reconstructive plastic surgery for injuries caused by burns or congenital diseases and surgery for women with child birth injuries (fistula surgery).

One of the biggest goals of Mercy Ships is to increase the level of healthcare delivery in these countries so that it is far stronger after the Ship has left.

I will not be paid for my work, but will be required to pay crew fees that cover my board of $900 NZD per month for the 5 weeks. I will also need to fund my flights, insurance and immunisations.

My aim with this page is to be as transparent as possible.

The funds raised will go towards:

Plane tickets (Approximately $3,000NZD)

Accommodation on Mercy Ships (Approximately $1,000 NZD)

Medical Checkups and Immunisations needed (Approximately $600NZD)

Anti-Malarial med and other personal medications to take on board

Storage / Up keep for my personal belongings left at home.

Please feel free to ask me any questions at any point in time. For more information about Mercy Ships, check out http://mercyships.org