Help Cranford Student With Supplies For Medical Mission Trip

CRANFORD, NJ - Jennifer Fleissner is traveling on a medical mission trip to Peru and she wants top bring some Cranford caring and hospitality with her.

"I chose to ask the people of Cranford because I am resident myself," Fleissner said. "I have experienced first hand Cranford residents’s love for helping others and their generosity in giving to those in need."

Fleissner is a senior Physician Assistant Major at King’s College and this July she is traveling to Peru on a Medical Mission Trip with the help of the Holy Cross Congregation.

"I will be focusing on Health and Dental education in schools while spending time in clinics to educate the public on common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and more," she said. "My hope is to fill a suitcase with supplies to bring to the children. I am in search of toothpaste, toothbrushes, pocket sized hand sanitizer, soaps, deodorant, band-aids, alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, vitamins, Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen, pocket packs of tissues, and quart-sized Ziploc bags."

Fleissner said she can pick up donations or people can drop them off. Her direct email is jenniferfleissner@kings.edu.

"I hope to be able to provide medical and hygiene supplies to children and families in Peru who do not have the same access to these materials as we have here in America. In the areas we are staying, there is a lot of poverty and a lack of education about medical issues," she said. "My goal is to help as many people as I can, not only with the generous donations from my peers, but also with knowledge on how to use the supplies and lifestyle changes to help them stay healthy."

Those who want to donate money instead of supplies can do that as well.

"My Venmo is 'Jen-Fleissner' if you'd like to make a money donation and I can go out and purchase supplies. I would be forever grateful for any donation for the children in Peru," she said. "I will be calling local doctors offices and dentists to see if they have excess supplies laying around so if you know of any offices I can reach out to please let me know as well."

Fleissner grew up on the south side of Cranford and graduated from Cranford High School in 2016 where she enrolled in King’s College because of their five year masters in Physician Assistant Program. Currently, she is starting her fourth year in the graduate phase of the program. It was her college that chose Peru as the destination.

"My school had the idea to start an outreach program in Peru. Two Physician Assistant Professors put the trip together because they saw the immense need in Peru," she said. "This is actually the first trip of this kind to this area and I am so happy to be able to pave the way for future classes to participate. We will be going into schools and educating the students on healthier choices. We will also be spending time in the clinic to meet with patients."

To get involved, contact Fleissner at jenniferfleissner@kings.edu.

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