click here for Noelle's fundraising campaign link
Spread of the deadly Ebola Virus has been alarming world health officials and the public alike for the past few months. No one is more connected to this horrendous epidemic than Sonoma County's own Liberian-born Noelle Marshall.
Noelle, who recently sold her One Planet Fair Trade Store in downtown Petaluma, was packed and ready to pursue her life's dream of returning to coastal Africa, where she has plans to settle on the Ivory Coast and establish fair trade cooperatives for women and children in that country and neighboring Liberia.
As Noelle readied for her big adventure, the Ebola Virus epidemic escalated. Her physician here in California, as well as friends and family, urged her and her partner to postpone their move until the situation is stabilized.
In limbo and deeply concerned for "Mother Africa", Noelle has launched a gofundme campaign to raise monies for 'Partners in health' and or 'Doctors' without Borders'.
"Every day I listen to the news on the Ebola update, and every day I am shocked and in disbelief of the rate that this virus is infecting and killing people in West Africa. It's the world worst virus imaginable, killing 3,338 people since Feb so far," says Noelle. "There are 7,178 confirmed cases, with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guniea suffering the most."
Noelle Marshall, Petaluma-based campaigner for medial support in the Ebola Crisis
As recent news reports indicate the virus has arrived in the United States: "I am constantly worrying and feeling people's pain and suffering while trying to fight this invisible killer," says Noelle. "I've donated medical supplies via church volunteers that were traveling to W. Africa early June. As the crisis worsens, I decided to campaign for help through GoFundMe to help me reach family and friends to raise money for the cause".
The outbreak is the world's most deadly - US President Barack Obama has called it a "threat to global security".
Some studies have warned that the numbers of infected could rise to more than 20,000 by early November.
Scientists have been aware of Ebola virus since the mid-1970s, but so far no vaccine or cure has been developed.
Ebola kills up to 90% of those infected, but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive early treatment.
It spreads through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids.
A leading charity has warned that a rate of five new Ebola cases an hour in Sierra Leone means healthcare demands are far outstripping supply.
"Unless the international community radically responds to this crisis with massive supplies of medical gear, including beds, blankets, gloves, gowns and masks people will continue to die at home and risk infecting their families and local communities," says Noelle."Please, any financial contribution would go a long way. Let's help our brothers and sisters in West Africa. If we help contain this deadly virus, we can prevent it from spreading across the globe".
Kindred Fair Trade Store in Santa Rosa is also campaigning to raise money for Africa. Fom Oct 1-10, Kindred will donate 10% of all sales to 'Partner in Health'
According to the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services: "Although news about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is widespread, Ebola poses little risk to the general population in the United States.
If a case does arrive here, characteristics of Ebola transmission and our healthcare system ensure the number of cases will be limited and containment will be swift. Sonoma County clinicians have been informed and are on the lookout for cases."
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