CSULB
student gives time, money to AIDS victims
By Mike Sundberg
Special to the On-line Forty-Niner
Sixteen
Cal State Long Beach students will visit
Kenya, Africa, this year to learn about
the healthcare system and the current AIDS
epidemic ravaging the continent.
Traveling with the group will be Thomas
De Clerck, a senior business major and health
science minor. De Clerck has spent much
of his time this semester raising as much
money as possible to donate to children
who have been infected with the deadly virus.
According to The Washington Post, 74 percent
of all the deaths since the start of the
AIDS pandemic have come from sub-Saharan
Africa.
Since last year, De Clerck has wanted to
complete a triathlon to raise money for
a good cause.
“It always feels good to cross the finish
line, but I thought it would be good to
cross that line for a cause [other than
personal satisfaction,]” De Clerk said.
Last semester, De Clerck learned of the
trip to Kenya being organized by health
science professor, Gina Piane. The trip
is for a two and a half week summer session
class that will visit the Ministry of Health,
comparing the current healthcare system
of Kenya to that of the United States, as
well as participating in service projects
and community health programs.
One of these service projects includes visiting
the Nyumbani Orphanage in Kenya. De Clerck
said this is where nearly 70 orphans infected
with HIV reside. These children are to be
the beneficiaries of De Clerck’s fundraising.
“AIDS treatment medication is expensive,”
De Clerck said. “Many Kenyans can only afford
to spend a total of $3 annually on health
care.”
So far, De Clerck has managed to raise about
$3,500, and would like to raise $5,000 or
more. One of the ways that he raised money
was by competing in the California Half-Ironman
Triathlon Saturday, April 5. De Clerck managed
to gain sponsors for his 1.2 mile swim,
56 mile bicycle race, and 13.1 mile run.
When questioned why he chose to raise money
for this cause, De Clerck said that he wanted
to let individuals know they can truly make
a difference as well as raise awareness
about the serious problem occurring in Africa.
“During these times of war I think it is
important to remind ourselves, fellow students,
and the public, that efforts that carry
a voice of peace, international aid, and
human compassion are important and should
be heard,” De Clerck said.
If anyone would like to help contribute
to De Clerck’s cause for raising funds,
or receive more information, he can be reached
via email at tdeclerc@csulb.edu
as well as by phone at (562) 434-2283. Sponsorship
forms can also be obtained from the Associated
Students Inc. Office on the 3rd floor of
the University Student Union.
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