All around the world, there are places where patients can’t get the proper medical care they need to be happy and healthy. CURE International, a non-profit organization, is working to fight this issue. Students Amber Reid and Katie Carmichael are working with this organization to ensure that these patients get cared for properly, all while learning the word of God.
Name: Amber Reid and Katie Carmichael
Age:
AR: 20
KC: 20
Major:
AR: Medical Laboratory Science
KC: Elementary Education
What is the name and main idea of your organization?
AR: The name of the organization is CURE at Auburn University. CURE International is such a worthy cause to support because its mission is to “heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God” through establishing hospitals and offering life changing medical procedures to areas of the world in desperate need of love and medical attention. We plan to encourage students to play a part in the lives of kids across the world so that medical treatment and the love of Christ can be shown and amplified through prayer and raising money for CURE International’s hospitals scattered all over the world. These hospitals are pivotal in sharing the gospel and the love of Christ with children suffering from diseases and conditions that are painful, debilitating, and often scorned and misunderstood within their society. The main idea of our chapter is to get the word out about CURE’s hospitals and encourage prayer for their wonderful young patients.
How did you come up with the idea for it?
AR: The idea was actually from CURE International’s website through a program they have started called CURE University. I didn’t really know how I would work with CURE until praying about it and researching more about its impact. CURE International is something that I randomly heard about from a friend in high school, but I never realized the part Auburn could play in it until around January of this year. Without a doubt, none of this would have ever been possible without the encouragement and motivation I’ve gotten from Katie and the CURE U coordinator I’ve been corresponding with since day one, Karina.
KC: CURE is very big at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where I am from, so I was inspired by their chapter.
What is your position in the organization and what do you do?
AR: I’m one of the executive directors, and currently, I’m working with the other Executive Director Katie on setting up events, recruiting other students, finishing the logistical side of the chapter’s establishment on Auburn’s campus, and just praying over these children and God’s plan for this organization and its future.
KC: I am co-president of CURE at Auburn. I will be over fundraising, awareness, and the spiritual side of CURE at Auburn. I really want to play an active role in all of our exec’s job to support and encourage them as well as do this journey with them!
What do your members do?
AR: Members will help to fundraise surgeries for children in the CURE Hospitals, pray for their treatment and healing, and unite others on Auburn’s campus to join in the cause and be a voice for these amazing kids. Also, CURE sends get well cards that we write to the kids we’re sponsoring. It’s an incredible way for members to see and communicate firsthand with those who are receiving the surgeries we help to sponsor.
KC: Our members will be attending and helping at fundraisers- they will also be a strong force for our prayer. Our goal is to saturate this organization in prayer and Jesus- our members will be a huge part of that all over campus.
How can people get involved?
AR: Katie and I are working on gathering people for an executive board, a part of the chapter that will set the groundwork for some of the events we plan to put on this year. Those interested in membership or a place on the executive board can contact us at our emails or on AU involve and we can meet up! We’d love to talk with anyone interested in getting involved and help others find their place in our chapter! However, even if you’re crazy busy and find time to be able to join, even stopping by our table on O-Day to write a child a “get well” card or donating toward a surgery can make a HUGE impact!
KC: People can get involved by joining on AU involve. They will be sent emails. Also we have an Instagram and Facebook page to keep people updated. Our Instagram is @CUREatauburn.