Radiologic Technologist from Rugby to Volunteer on Mercy Ship in Madagascar
Allison Leer, a radiologic technologist from Rugby, will be embarking on a life-changing journey in late April as she volunteers on a Mercy Ship docked in Madagascar. Mercy Ships is a charity organization that provides free medical care to citizens of developing and poor countries, with a focus on community development, medical education, and skills development for local healthcare professionals.
Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has served over 70 countries and more than 600,000 patients, offering essential medical treatments to those in need. While in field services, the ships are docked in one spot for 8-10 months, creating a floating community with various amenities for both patients and volunteers.
Leer will be using her education and training to provide imaging services on the ship, utilizing her skills to help those in need. All volunteers are required to cover their own expenses, including room and board on the ship. The community of First Lutheran Church in Rugby has shown their support by donating quilts to help defray Leer’s volunteering costs.
Having felt a calling to serve in the medical field since high school, Leer is passionate about providing crucial medical attention to those who lack access to healthcare in Madagascar. She emphasizes that all medical services provided on the ship are completely free, making a significant impact on the lives of those she will be treating.
Despite missing her family while abroad, Leer finds fulfillment in serving others without expecting anything in return. She is expected to return to Rugby at the end of August after completing her service on the Mercy Ship in Madagascar. Mercy Ships also offers opportunities for non-medical volunteers in various roles, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute to the organization’s mission of providing healthcare to those in need.
