About Me

Hello! My name is Ashtar Stella Saffar, and I am preparing for a medical volunteer trip to Tanzania, Africa, scheduled for August 2024. As a Certified Nursing Assistant with considerable experience in Cardiovascular and Surgical Trauma Intensive Care, this mission aligns with my ongoing commitment to global health.

I founded Stellar Oncology Care, a student organization at Oakland University, where we developed comfort care packages for individuals battling cancer. My past international volunteer work includes providing aid to communities in rural areas of Nicaragua, a country located in Central America. Additionally, I traveled to Iraq, a country in the Middle East, where I led a fundraising initiative and personally participated in purchasing and distributing shoes to children displaced by ISIS. This upcoming journey to Tanzania in August 2024, planned in honor of my birthday and in tribute to my daughter Giselle, reflects my continued dedication to positively impacting global communities.

How Will This Impact My Education or Career?

This volunteer experience will be invaluable for my career and education. I am currently advancing my studies in nursing, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in my prerequisites, with the long-term future goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Volunteering in a diverse healthcare setting abroad will enhance my skills and broaden my perspective on global health challenges. These experiences are crucial for my aspiration to excel in the field of anesthesia, as they provide a practical foundation in handling varied medical situations, further preparing me for advanced roles in healthcare.

How Will I Make a Difference in the Community?

In Tanzania, I will collaborate with local healthcare providers to deliver essential medical services to underserved communities. My role will involve enhancing the availability and quality of healthcare, striving to make a significant and tangible difference in the lives of those in need. By focusing on promoting health and well-being, I aim to contribute positively to the region’s healthcare landscape, ultimately helping to improve patient outcomes and community health resilience.

Why Am I Passionate About This Project?

As a committed healthcare professional and a mother, my core values are grounded in compassion and the drive to serve others. This project represents a vital opportunity to extend my expertise to communities with limited healthcare resources. It offers a platform to make a meaningful impact by improving health outcomes and enriching my understanding of diverse cultural perspectives. Engaging in this work not only fulfills my professional aspirations but also aligns deeply with my personal commitment to fostering wellness and resilience in global communities.

Why Did I Choose This Destination?

Tanzania has profoundly resonated with me due to its rich cultural heritage and the remarkable resilience of its people. The opportunity to align my deep-seated passion for healthcare with tangible efforts to empower and enhance the well-being of Tanzanian communities is a privilege that I deeply value. This project is not just a professional endeavor; it represents a heartfelt call to action that I am fully committed to answering.

What Makes This Meaningful for Me?

This trip is more than just a professional opportunity; it’s a personal mission deeply influenced by my daughter, Giselle. Her loving nature and the joy she brings into my life not only reinforce my values of service, empathy, and continuous learning but also inspire me to set an exemplary standard of compassion and dedication. By participating in this project, I aim to demonstrate to her the importance of giving back and the powerful impact we can have on global communities. This journey is a significant step towards achieving my goal of becoming a more well-rounded and compassionate healthcare professional, and I am eager to bring back the knowledge and experiences gained to enrich both our lives and the well-being of my community.

How You Can Help

Your support is a bridge to a better tomorrow. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a vital step toward bringing essential medical care to those who are less fortunate. By joining hands with us, you are not just funding a trip—you are fueling a cause that promises to spread hope and foster healing in communities that desperately need it.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for being a part of this transformative journey!

Blessings, 
Ashtar