Humanitarian of the Year (2005)
- Kent Galloway
- May 19, 2021
- 2 min read
Humanitarian of the Year (2005) Posted May 19, 2021
An excerpt from "Courage in the Congo: A Doctor's Fight to Save the Pygmies"
Available now on Amazon:
I received a letter from William A. Schultz, Executive Director of the Medical College of Wisconsin. He informed me that they selected me to receive the Humanitarian Award to recognize my charitable work. They offered to pay for my airfare if I got permission to come home. I felt this might be problematic since I just returned recently, and I only had permission to go back every three years.
I talked to the Father Provincial in Kinshasa on the radio, and he permitted me to go to the U.S. to attend the alumni dinner. We did not have any email service in Pendjua. So, I transmitted a message to Lonkesa-Kutu by radio to advise Mr. Schultz that I could come home. The staff there sent an email on my behalf.
In late April, I traveled back to the U.S. and went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I spoke to the medical students where I had attended school and told them about the Pygmies and how the barefoot doctor program started. I talked about the importance of education to help get the Botoa out of poverty. Then, I told them about all we did to improve the health situation in the Congo. In the end, I said, "I think we have the greatest profession in the world. The only reason for us to be is to serve. And I hope some of you will serve the world when you finish your studies."
I received the Humanitarian of the Year Award. After I received the award and gave a short speech, I received a standing ovation. I stayed in Milwaukee to attend my 40th class reunion dinner and left Aurora, Illinois, on May 15 for my journey back to Pendjua.
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