The WYD medical team is preparing to support SAMUR teams

At WYD, one must be prepared for anything and everything. That’s why Maria Perez Esteban is working to coordinate and form the team to direct the corps of volunteer health workers that will provide assistance to pilgrims, in coordination with SAMUR, the emergency services of Madrid.

Mary, a nurse and coordinator of volunteer health workers, ready to get to work

Hers is a group of professionals entrusted with the task of creating teams of doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. They will all be volunteers and will be helping to offer medical support at the activities and events scheduled during the week of WYD, using preventive measures (keeping in mind August temperatures in Madrid), as well as outfitting an emergency warning system...and more. So far, their team includes 160 doctors, 140 nurses, plus 80 health volunteers as support.
Maria has years’ experience working as a volunteer at other events, but this one will be a very special occasion. "For me, volunteering at WYD 2011 in Madrid is a way to express my gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who are coming to Spain."

“I’ve been blessed to be able to attend several WYD’s as a pilgrim and they have been major spiritual ‘boosts’ for me. Being a volunteer in this WYD and placing my professional knowledge and my time at the service of this great celebration of faith is very important for me. It makes me realize how great it is to be a part of the Church. I’m able to experience its universality first-hand, give thanks to God for having received the gift of faith, and help others to open their eyes and see a different way of life in the midst of a generation that seems to wander about aimlessly."

Mary, a nurse and coordinator of volunteer health workers, ready to get to work