Every now and then we have the opportunity to really be a part of something special. I was fortunate enough to have such an opportunity recently as I participated in the 2010 Carolina Medical Mission in the City of Parañaque in the Metro Manila region of the Philippines. Working closely with about 70 volunteers, we served nearly 3,500 patients in a span of four days. The camaraderie and friendships we built were the foundation for what made such an endeavor even possible. But the commitment of these volunteers to serve their fellow man and provide much-needed medical services is what made it all happen. It was truly admirable to see doctors and nurses, with the help of all the volunteers, take time away from their work, their lives, and their homes, giving their time, talent, and resources to make life better for those in less fortunate circumstances.

This was my third time participating in the Carolina Medical Mission and each time has been a unique experience. While the places I’ve visited are each distinct and memorable it is unequivocally the people, both the volunteers and the local community, that make the medical mission an unforgettable lesson in life. Of the thousands of Filipinos that pass through each medical mission, I know that under different circumstances, I could be any one of them. These patients are deprived of basic amenities: nutritious food, medicines, access to education and healthcare, that we in the developed world take for granted.

After participating in my first Carolina Medical Mission in 2002, I was inspired to study economic development so I could apply my energy and insight to help those in need. This is where I was first exposed to the idea of Freedoms versus Capabilities. Our Freedoms are the optimal conditions under which we live, work, and grow. Our Capabilities are the opportunities availed to us through living, working, and growing. For example, when a Filipino does not have access to education, he or she is deprived of that particular Freedom, which in turn, severely restricts the person’s Capabilities to find meaningful work. In pursuing economic development for any area, it is always important to consider whether or not people have their Freedom to pursue their Capabilities.

The medical services provided during the Carolina Medical Mission are an integral part of the lives of the people we serve. Each vitamin or pill distributed, each surgery performed, each rash treated, each tooth pulled, each diagnosis made is a step towards ensuring these Filipinos have the Freedom to live vibrantly and pursue whatever dreams may strike them. My primary function on the 2010 Carolina Medical Mission was as photographer. This allowed me to capture hundreds of images of people, each of them a portrait of possibilities.