ICF Board Member Dr. Irma Gigli Discusses Her Commitment to ICF

If I am to explain my commitment to the International Community Foundation and its mission, especially on issues connected to cross-border health, I must revisit my life in Argentina and my development as a physician. I went to school in Cordoba, Argentina; my choice of career was my own. I developed a passion for medicine after a serious illness as a child. In medical school I had some non-academic difficulties due to the political situation of the country, which was the reason I moved to the United States. This decision was difficult for me and for my parents, particularly for my father who always had envisioned that my life in medicine should focus on helping those in Argentina who did not have easy access to the most essential medical care. Though I was living in a different world and using different tools to express my care and concern for human beings, I tried to fulfill his dream. I began to serve on committees dealing with education, medicine and science in this country as well as in the international community. I was fortunate to meet Richard Kiy, it was clear to both of us that I could serve Latin America and those in need by participating in some of the ICF activities.

The last three years as a member of the Board of ICF have been a constant learning experience. Last year Richard organized Dialogues on Cross Border Health Issues and I served as Chair of the one day symposium. What an eye opening experience! Speaker after speaker presented heart-breaking documentation of a wide range of problems relevant to the mission of ICF. Groups working in Tijuana presented their work on malnutrition in children, sexual abuse and prostitution across the border, infectious diseases, vaccination issues, etc., most of the work being accomplished with very limited resources. There is no question in my mind that this is an activity that should be repeated on a yearly basis with the presence of members of the community in order to encourage a dialogue with potential donors as well as to expand health related philanthropy.

A few months later I had the opportunity to visit, in my home town of Cordoba, the Fundacion Tarpuy, which is the recipient of funds from an Argentinian donor who has established a Donor Advised Fund with ICF. Five programs are presently supported by this fund. Their mission ranges from providing postdoctoral fellowships for electrical engineers to support for children in the barrios, the tin towns that surround the city. The people living in the area are deprived of the most elementary necessities. With the help of Tarpuy, a number of comedores infantiles have been established to feed children; for many this may be the only meal they eat each day. After school classes teaching computer skills, folklore dances, and physical education keep children occupied in meaningful activities and away from danger. Some of these children are then selected to participate in a special program to enhance their formation in high school and give them the opportunity to aspire to higher education or specialized technical training.

All this charitable work is being done by very conscientious volunteers. It is offering a valuable service and helping to improve the standard of living in a community so neglected and with so little hope.

I am grateful to ICF and its dedicated staff for the opportunity to be of service and give back some of what so generously I was given.