Dr. Scott talks about the importance of service, and how dedication to service among the great number of people involved over 20 years has been the key to the flourishing of the Bwindi Community Hospital, and to him personally.
Dr. Scott dedicates his swim at Upper Sardine Lake to Bwindi Community Hospital’s Pediatric Department. Every year around the world, 650,000 children die from malaria—a preventable disease. Dr. Scott partnered with Batwa traditional healers, the omufumu, who originally misunderstood the parasite causing malaria. BCH reduced the malarial death rate by providing bed nets. In addition to malaria, BCH successfully treats other pediatric health issues such as malnutrition.
Dr. Scott shares the stories of hospital volunteers Alexis Richardson and Julia Lippert. Alexis’s time at BCH helped her discover medicine as a vocation for life. She is now beginning a professorship in pediatrics. Julia’s eight months in Bwindi led to a career in public health. She returns to Bwindi this month to be a principal investigator in a NIH-funded research project based there.
Twenty years ago, HIV/AIDS overwhelmed Africa with no in-country tools to diagnose or treat. Today, because of better diagnostics and antiretroviral therapy, HIV can be successfully treated, especially in pregnant mothers. Dr. Scott gives thanks for all the ways that Bwindi Community Hospital has successfully treated people battling HIV and its significant contributions to better health outcomes and reduced infant mortality.
Dr. Scott shares his gratitude for the gift of volunteers who over the years have brought their talents and energy to the hospital and Batwa people. He tells the story of the wonderful friendships and experiences he shared with volunteers Steve ‘Blackie’ Gonsalves and Katie and Richard Cunningham.
Dr. Scott tells the origin story of how God brought together medical professionals, donors and universities who successfully collaborated to establish the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi to address the critical need for skilled nurses in southwest Uganda.
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Scotts Flat Lake to the Batwa Development Program. The BDP was formed to “help the Batwa help themselves” and exists to address the root causes of extreme poverty.
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Glacier Lake to Daniel and Rachel Jamison, their family, and the staff of Bwindi Guest House. The challenges of language, culture and travelling are put at ease through the hospitality provided there. Whether you are volunteering, gorilla-trekking, or visiting Bwindi, the Jamisons and their staff will welcome you with open arms.
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Volcano Lake to the Kellermann Foundation. He quotes Mother Teresa saying, “All of us cannot do great things, but each one of us can do small things with great love.”
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Salmon Lake to all medical volunteers, university partners and volunteer support staff.
Dr. Scott Kellermann expresses that his challenge of swimming Sanford Lake pales in comparison to the much greater challenges faced in sub-Saharan Africa. He highlights the heart and soul of the hospital as the doctors, nurses and support personnel whose mission-minded work enables patients to meet challenges, heal and live healthy lives.
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Fuller Lake to Diane Stanton. Diane was integral to the start of the projects in Uganda. In 1993, Ugandan Arch¬bishop Livingstone Nkoyoyo told Diane, “I need you to save the Batwa pygmies. They are dying.” Diane prayed to God that she did not know how to help, but God assured her, “I do.”
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Craig and Jean’s Pond, or as he fondly calls it—Toothache Lake—to the developing dental and vision programs at Bwindi Community Hospital. BCH is partnering with the Kellermann Foundation to design a stand-alone dental and vision clinic for BCH. Once funded, the new clinic would restore smiles and give sight to the blind in a region which currently has only one dental chair and limited vision care for a population of about a quarter million people.
Dr. Scott Kellermann dedicates his swim at Blue Lake to Dr. Birungi Mutahunga. Dr. Birungi is Bwindi Community Hospital’s former Executive Director and currently serving as District Health Officer of Kanungu district. Dr. Scott attributes BCH’s success to Dr. Birungi’s honesty, integrity and heart for those in need.
Dr. Scott Kellermann kicks off his first swim at Rucker Lake in northern California in honor of the 20th anniversary of Bwindi Community Hospital and in dedication to the Batwa who face limited choices with a persevering attitude.
