Heart on Denali: Humanitars from Brac climb to the top of Alaska for better health care
Ranko Dragicevic, Davor Veci, Deno Eror and Senadin Sahtijari on May 11, began their expedition to Denali, the highest peak of North America, and stepped into the first frozen meters of their physical and psychologically demanding missions.
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Volunteers came to help Grandma who lives alone in an abandoned place: Our Smilja now has a stove!
– Our goal is that this venture is not only a sports adventure, but a concrete contribution to better conditions for all people on Brac. The island communities often remain on the margins of the health system without basic equipment, with a lack of staff and logistical difficulties. That is why we decided not to speculate what they needed, but to go directly to the Supetar Health Center, to speak with doctors and nurses, and to hear their real needs – said Ranko Dragicevic just before departure.
Their climb to the 6,190 meters high the top of Alaska is not only a physical challenge, but also a symbol of the struggle for worthy of treatment and working on the island of Brac, where healthcare professionals and patients act daily in difficult circumstances. In addition to wanting to encourage donations, this expedition is trying to send a strong message: that every community, regardless of geographical barriers, is entitled to available and quality health care.
– The ascent to the Denali is physically very demanding. There are six months of intense preparations behind us, and there are extreme conditions, insulation and height problems in the lack of oxygen. But this is exactly what drives us because every effort makes sense when you know that you are fighting for something bigger – points out Davor Večaj, one of the initiators of the action.
In an interview with medical staff, the urgency of investment in the crane for heavy moving patients was highlighted. It is a necessary equipment for the independent daily work of healthcare professionals, who are now helping the transportation of patients and local firefighters. The money is also raised for the new ECG device for pediatrics, since the existing is not adequate, while the rest of the funds will be focused on the equipping of stationary cabinets, feeders and triangles for lifting patients.
All citizens can become part of this inspirational story, through donations on an account opened for the purposes of the humanitarian action « Heart through the Mountains » at the company of the Red Cross Brac, Petra Jakšića 11, 21400 Supetar, OIB: 22045187327, Zagrebačka banka DD, IBAN: HR1023600001503603495.
