Prof. Frank Feyerherd has been a volunteer DCKH board member since 2012. After more than 60 years, he is retiring from active professional life. He remains a close friend and invaluable supporter to us. We asked him how he came to be associated with DCKH, what moves and motivates him.
Helping children with cleft lip and palate has been a matter close to my heart for many years. My story with DCKH began in 2001, when I was working as an anesthesiologist as part of a cooperation agreement between the Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald and the Protestant Hospital of Ngaoundéré in Cameroon. I managed the aid project, a first for DCKH, for over ten years and was regularly on site.
It was a very intense time. Social hardship was omnipresent. I was humbled to see the stark contrast to our prosperity. I was happy to be able to make a contribution as a doctor so that people for whom social safety and access to medical care cannot be taken for granted could live a little better. It made me happy that I could help children lead a normal life through free surgery. I was often moved to tears when parents or patients gratefully shook my hand after the surgery. Grateful because they were no longer treated like lepers and their children were no longer teased and humiliated.
The social imbalance has not diminished in recent years. In the countries where DCKH is working, the majority of people live in poverty. Children with physical disabilities have it particularly hard.
I fondly remember my time in Africa and the many happy moments that I was able to take in. I invite you all to support a matter close to my heart, the valuable work of Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe.
Thank you!
Your Frank Feyerherd
