Monday, March 22, 2010

Switzerland

I just returned from my first trip to Switzerland to meet with the UICC in Geneva.  I was really excited to meet with Dr. Julie Torode, the Deputy CEO and Advocacy and Programmes Director.  I knew that she could help me establish contacts in all the countries that I want to go to, but honestly the meeting went better than I could have hoped for.  Julie was so generous with her time, informing me about the structure of the UICC and it's vision and mission to connect, mobilize and support cancer organizations and individuals with knowledge and skills to be effective.   They are the leading international non-governmental organization dedicated exclusively to the global control of cancer.  She was incredibly helpful in trying to brainstorm ways for us to work together.  I will be very glad to support them in any way that I can, and I am sure that with her help my project can fulfill the vision I have for it.

Julie then introduced me to Alina Pawlowska, the head of UICC's membership department.  Alina has connections everywhere and is helping me to connect with various NGO's.  She also had great suggestions of what countries might be the best for me to go to,  places where she has great contacts, like Armenia and Nepal.  I am going to try to add those to my list, and nix some places where she thought I might have a tough time with contacts.  She immediately gave me some contacts in Ghana (I had been very unsuccessfully trying to get in touch with people there).  I emailed them from the airport in Geneva on my way home, and by the time I got to London, I already has responses!  She is going to send me more lists of contacts over the next month or so.  I am really looking forward to working with her!

I then was introduces to Danny Greenstone who is a marketing consultant for the UICC.  Danny is working on projects to promote the UICC.  He relayed to me some great ideas he has for future projects.   His positive, gregarious attitude is absolutely infectious!  I hope that I can be of help to him on my travels.

What was not lost on me was that this "face-to-face" meeting was exactly what the British Airways grant was all about.  I would never have been able to establish the same relationships with the UICC through emails and phone conversations.    I am so thrilled that this first trip has set a super positive tone for my project.  I am moving forward with such enthusiasm and excitement, I can't wait until the next leg begins!!  The only negative is that I am going to have a very hard time not traveling in business class on BA after this grant is over.  After just one trip, I feel pretty spoiled, it really makes the travel a million times easier, in fact I am really looking forward to my next flight!

1 comment:

  1. Hi Carolyn. We did not meet, but you met my team in Geneva. So glad that Julie, Alina and Danny were able to help. Good luck in your travels, and please stay in touch with us should you require any further support or assiatnce. Kind Regards Cary Adams CEO UICC.

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