5 years ago, we sadly announced the death of one of our Surgicorps Family, Melinda Handler. Today we say good-bye to another wonderful dedicated and committed volunteer, Bob Kirschner. Bob died recently after a lengthy battle with a chronic lung problem.
Bob was a “doer”, an individual who thrived when faced with a task/job, the more difficult and challenging the better. Bob’s Surgicorps adventures included 9 missions, his first in Nepal in 2000. To describe our living and work conditions in Trishuli, Nepal as “rustic” would be the understatement of understatements! Our hotel……well suffice it to say that I spent our nights sleeping on the roof outdoors. Comfortable and relaxing! The hospital was without question the worst I’ve ever worked in. Yet here Bob thrived, repairing anything that even looked broken, and working wonders in dilapidated ORs allowing us to do our jobs.
Bob also worked with us in Brazil and Tanzania, but the trips that I think meant the most to him were in the Kingdom of Bhutan…….2007-12. There he basically put our OR on his back whenever a problem occurred, and wow, did problems occur frequently……..Bob, the electricity is funky again, please help; Bob our dermatome plug is no longer functional and we desperately need to take this skin graft; Bob…..HELP!!! Bob was our trip savior many times.
Bob also was involved in other philanthropy outside of Surgicorps……..he worked with priests of the Greek Orthodox Church in Guatemala, specifically a Father Andreas, and not only did he adopt 2 Guatemalan children(a boy and a girl, siblings), but he also helped found a health clinic providing much needed medical care for remote villages. That health clinic is now self-sustaining and is a tribute to years of work and effort by Bob.
Bob Kirschner, a tireless and dedicated humanitarian…….he meant so much to so many, and left this world a better place.
Our entire Surgicorps Family
