Glen Ivy Giving Profile: Suzanne Sammut
Throughout October we will be featuring some of our own staff members who have set an example of service in their communities and abroad. This week we are shining the spotlight on Suzanne Sammut, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa Massage Therapist, who spent three life-changing weeks in Kenya this summer assisting a medical team sponsored by her church. Life experience was elevated not only for the 700 patients she saw but for Suzanne and colleagues as well.
I had the great opportunity to sit down with Suzanne to ask her about her experience and how it has affected her.
Q: What organization or cause did you support and what inspired you?
A: When the mission trips were announced, something within “called out Kenya.” I thought about it for a couple of months, and one Sunday there was a kiosk with some gorgeous jewelry that caught my eye. Little did I know, they were hand made by a group of women in Kenya who are trying to provide income for their family without using their bodies. Every dollar would go back to them. That’s all it took for me! I bought two and vowed to wear them every day as my inspiration to one day meet the women and their children who made these items. And you know what? I DID!
Q: What was your contribution, and are you able to see results from your efforts?
A: I set up and ran the Triage Clinic , taking patients vital signs, temperatures, blood pressures, while others did height and weight. Later I was hands on assisting the Doctor, cleaning wounds or sores, applying new dressings, and helping distribute medication.
After the first couple days, I felt an amazing strength and confidence in my skill-set and as a caregiver. When someone needed help, I stepped in and gave direction and comfort. A young girl who had a severely infected finger was both shy and in pain. While her hand soaked prior to lancing the area, I held her other hand and let her squeeze away. The children are so brave. Not a sound came out, but a quiet tears rolled down her cheek. After dressing her wound, and I gave her a treat, she gave me a hug.
Q: How has this experience affected you?
A: The entire trip I felt my heart strings being tugged. When patients would say ‘Bless you, thank you. Thank you for coming’ you can SEE in their eyes, they meant it.
I like to be optimistic and find the humor in life. Before the trip when I would hear someone be negative or complain I would say “OK, now tell two positive things.” Now I say “Now tell me two blessings.” That seems to have a profound effect on people and stop them in their tracks. Things don’t seem so bad to them after all. I give thanks each and every day for blessings of the past, present, and the many more that are coming for me in the future. I am fortunate to be where I am, doing what I love, and touching so many lives.
We are wondering how others have felt the difference their efforts have made, whether far away or close to home. Let us know with a comment below.
Stay tuned for more profiles of Glen Ivy staff members who are making a difference and inspiring others! Want to inspire other? Join the Monthly Challenge and find ways to get started!
What a wonderful experience for Suzanne also a wonderful inspiration for others to do the same.
my dad is a massage therapist and he can really relieve minor pains and injuries ~,`