In January 2025, Dr. Vasudevan Tiruchelvam and the York Medical Foundation are planning to send a team of volunteers to Mauritania for a forth time pending some logistical matters. As a preview, we cover the Foundation's third trip that took place in January of this year.
Dr. Tiru and a team of 11 humanitarian volunteers embarked on the 3rd medical trip to Chinguetti, Mauritania on January 19, 2024. This historical trip was made possible by their donors, sponsors and fundraiser participants, who contributed to the purchase of endoscopy equipment and bring this life saving procedure to the people of Chinguetti and surrounding areas!
Until this year, colon screening was not available in Mauritania. With colon cancer being one of the leading causes of death, Dr. Amanda Beattie’s vision was to implement the first screening program in the area and she shared her vision with Dr. Tiru. The Foundation began the process of raising funds to purchase the equipment needed for the program and identifying volunteers with experience in the field of gastroenterology.
While in country, our endoscopy team performed 18 gastroscopes, 10 screening and 7 diagnostic colonoscopies. During one of the procedures, a colon cancer was identified and the patient had the first colon resection in Chinguetti, by their surgical team, saving this man’s life.
Other gastrointestinal diseases were identified during and after the time our team was in Chinguetti, and as a result, improving the quality of life for these patients. Early detection will have a huge impact on saving the lives of the Mauritanian people!
In addition to the endoscopy procedures performed, the surgical team performed 19 surgeries including hernia repairs thyroid and gallbladder removal, appendectomy, removal of breast lump and partial colon removal, along with incidental procedures.
With your support, the York County Medical Foundation and humanitarian volunteers have made a positive impact in Mauritania! We are most grateful to each of you for your generosity and trust in the work of the York County Medical Foundation! Donations can be made online via our PayPal (direct your donation to York County Medical Foundation, Inc.) or checks can be mailed directly to The York County Medical Foundation, PO Box 54, Windsor, PA 17366.
Trips like this and other charitable donations are made possible by fund raising events like the annual YCMF Golf Event. These are some recent beneficiaries.
Dr. Tiru and Foundation representatives presented the YWCA York Victim Services Department with a donation for counseling services for persons of color struggling with mental health issues resulting from trauma.
Pappus House
The mission of the Pappus House is to provide compassionate end-of-life care in York County in a home like environment for those who cannot or do not wish to die at home. The Foundation’s gift is designated for those individuals at end-of-life and no insurance.
2024 Golf Event Beneficiaries
Building Bridges for Brianna
Building Bridges for Brianna, founded by Matt Dorgan in York County, PA, aims to prevent suicide and self-injury while supporting mental health nationwide. Inspired by the loss of his daughter, Brianna, Matt emphasizes community support and connecting those in need with help. The organization promotes suicide awareness, funds prevention programs, and supports families dealing with mental health issues.
Since meeting Matt in 2023, the York County Medical Foundation donated $60,000 to Building Bridges, enabling the organization to open up their first office where they were able to see clients. Within a year of opening, Building Bridges has moved to a new office in Dallastown, enabling them to service more persons needing mental health care. To date, Building Bridges has impacted over 175 clients!
On August 28, 2024, Matt was named the national winner of the Jefferson Award for Public Service!
September 9, 2024, Dr. Tiru and the York County Medical Foundation were recognized for all their support.