Over the weekend, my friend April finished an Olympic triathlon. That means she swam for 1 mile, biked for 25, and ran for 6 miles, basically. She had been training for months, and was fundraising for a special cause, that I want to tell you about now–

In her own words:

My name is April. Many of you  may not know me, but I am the Deputy Director of Strategic Communications for Panzi Foundation USA, and I have been working with the organization for about two years now. I am passionate about the mission of Panzi Hospital and the work being done there – helping the women of Eastern Congo to rebuild their lives and communities. The women that come to Panzi have endured more trauma than many will ever know, but they radiate incredible strength. Far from being victims, they are survivors. I want to help them tell their stories, and you can be a part of that effort. 

I am a professional video producer/editor and this summer, I am donating my time and the use of my equipment and traveling to Eastern Congo with Dr. Lee Ann De Reus (Panzi Foundation USA co-founder) to produce a documentary project showcasing Panzi Hospital and the women who have come through its programs. This will be my first trip to Bukavu, and I am very excited to see the impact Panzi has had on the ground over the last 15 years firsthand. We will be talking to women who have been through the hospital and finished their treatment, hospital staff, members of the surrounding community, and others. Panzi Foundation USA believes there are many supporters in the US (and beyond!) who will be interested to see and hear these stories – and we’d like to be able to show you! But we need your help. 

As all of the labor is entirely volunteer and all of the equipment already owned and paid for, we need donations ONLY to fund the travel expenses and tape costs. We’ve set up a page on the crowdfunding platform >>>indiegogo.com<<< and are trying to raise $5000 to bring this project to fruition. To sweeten the deal, we’re throwing in some nice perks for people who are able to donate $50, $100, or $250 – including a limited-edition t-shirt we’re having printed only for this campaign, a producer credit on the documentary, and a photo of Congolese women signed by medical director of Panzi Hospital and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr. Denis Mukwege.

Just in case we haven’t given you enough reasons to donate – I am putting my body on the line as well. May 18th, I will be swimming almost a mile, biking almost 25 miles, and running just over 6 miles at the Gateway Triathlon (Carlyle Lake, IL) in support of this campaign and PFUSA. I have been training for months, and it has not always been a fun process. Whenever I feel like I want to give up, however, I get inspiration and strength from the women of Congo. Can you help us share their stories with the world? 

Please >>>visit our indiegogo page<<<, donate if you can, and share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. We cannot do this without your help!

(photo from the triathlon swim course)

They are nearly halfway to their goal right now, but they need your help!  Honestly, anything I am trying to add right now just sounds stupid, so I’ll just say: if you can, please donate to her cause. I did, and I’m looking forward to my t-shirt 🙂 I love how dedicated April is to what she believes in and I believe that she does and will continue to make the world a better place. And most important to me (being selfish) she is a wonderful friend and has been there for me many times when I needed someone.

Here’s a picture from last year of April and I running a race together. She could totally kick my butt now (not that she couldn’t then either…but still!)