Serving Through Mercy Ships
I’m volunteer as a ward nurse (pediatric ICU) caring for patients after maxillofacial surgery on the Africa Mercy in Madagascar. For me, nursing is more than a job – as colleagues at Charité would joke, I’m not in it for the money. It’s a calling to stand with children and families when they need hope, care, and a chance to heal. I’ll be offering my time, skills, and heart to provide follow-up care and nursing support where local resources are limited.
Mission from 12 July 2026 to 12 September 2026 (preliminary end date)
What Mercy Ships Does
Mercy Ships partners with host countries to bring free, life-changing surgeries, dental care, and medical training to people who would otherwise have little or no access to safe healthcare. In Madagascar, the Africa Mercy is serving patients in Toamasina, with thousands of free surgeries and dental procedures planned, alongside training for local healthcare professionals to strengthen long-term surgical and nursing care. As a pediatric nurse, I’m honored to be part of a mission that combines immediate healing with long-term impact.
How You Can Help
I’m asking for your help to cover my volunteer expenses. Any contribution helps. To give you an idea of what donations can cover, here are some of my costs:
- TB skin test: 20 US$
- Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine: 28 US$
- Malaria prophylaxis medication, required from 2 days before travel to Africa until 4 weeks after departure: 170 Malaysian Ringgit
- New set of appropriate clothing, since I’ll be setting aside my “bikini kinda live” style for the next two months: 300 Malaysian Ringgit, 28US$
- Entry visa: 35 US$
- Monthly expenses for recreation
- Expenses during time off
My application process started at the end of last year, and my first assignment could have begun in March 2026. However, progress in my Australian and New Zealand registration process allowed me to postpone my mission. That is why the costs are listed in different currencies, since I was preparing for service while in Cambodia and Malaysia.
Donate by Bank Transfer
Any donation goes to Mercy Ships:
SozialBank
IBAN: DE85 6012 0500 6000 7000 80
BIC: BFSWDE33STG
Purpose of Bank Transfer: Sarah Degethof 7775 + your address
Your address is required so Mercy Ships can create a donation receipt, allowing you to deduct the donated amount from your taxes.
Love, Sarah Simone