1-844-633-5433

50:50 Campaign Spotlight: Maximilieno Cedeno

IMG 6134

Maximilieno Cedeno did a 50:50 campaign to raise money for his 2016 trip to Esmereldas, Ecuador. Here is what he had to say about running a fundraiser and about his Mobile Clinic trip to Ecuador.

How did you hear about a 50:50 campaign?

I heard about a 50:50 campaign from my chapter and from a previous trip. It is a good way to raise funds for MEDLIFE and also help with the cost of the trip.

12377998 1067020790003629 8794552718599681650 o

Why did you decide to do a 50:50 campaign?

I decided to come on a MEDLIFE trip because it’s a great chance to help others in another country that have low incomes. Also you get to see another side of the world that back in the United States you are not able to see.

How long did it take you to raise the money?

It took me around 2 months to raise the money. I blasted in social media and asked my dad and some friends to pass it around.

What was the main obstacle you encountered?

The main obstacle was myself, I don’t like to ask for money. That was an obstacle, getting over asking for money. But the money was going to a good cause, so that helped me get through it.

What did you learn from doing a fundraising campaign?

I learned first of all that it is not hard. You have to put some time into it but once it gets started it’s going to go on it’s own basically. The first big step is just to get the word out, and letting people know you are fundraising for a good cause.  Basically keep track of how much each person is giving you so you can send them a thank you card. It’s actually my second fundraising campaign, because it is my second MEDLIFE trip.

So this is your second 50:50 campaign?

Yes this is my second campaign. The first one I raised less than this one. I learned from the mistakes I made that time and I was able to raise more this year.

What did you do to raise more this time?

I let more people know this time. I also showed them personal experiences that I had before with MEDLIFE. 

What did you learn on your trip?

One of the things that struck me the most is how people are able to survive on such a minimal amount of income. How they are able on a day to day basis with so little resources that they have. One of the great things that MEDLIFE does is follow up with the patients and make sure that they get the right treatment, that money does not go to waste.

How do you feel about the impact you made on the communities with the money you raised?

It feels really good knowing you are helping others that actually need it and really appreciate it. When we leave at the end of each day the people are really thankful that we did a mobile clinic in their community , and that makes you feel really good about it. 

 

Archives

Hear it From MEDLIFErs

Testimonial Quote

Reya Seby
Western University

This trip motivated me more to pursue a career in the healthcare field so that I can use my resources to help those who need it the most, similar to MEDLIFE’s mission.

Testimonial Quote

Victoria DiCanio
University of Connecticut

It was most enjoyable to finish the hard work and see how big a difference a group of individuals can make. It was such an amazing experience.

Testimonial Quote

Anita Woo
University of Toronto

I enjoyed the mobile clinics the most, especially the dental and triage portions. I would definitely recommend a MEDLIFE trip, it was a great experience.

Testimonial Quote

David Saff
Maclay High School

The most enjoyable part of my trip was hanging out with the amazing group of kids I was with. I would highly recommend a MEDLIFE volunteer trip to others.

Testimonial Quote

Sydney Sansone
Nova Southeastern University

This trip made everything that I was learning in my public health courses come to life and immersed me in a new culture while also learning about medicine.

Testimonial Quote

Abygail Youmans
College of Charleston

Being involved with MEDLIFE is not like joining another club - its bigger than that. It is about joining a movement that seeks to help change people’s quality of life for forever.

Testimonial Quote

Emi Hofmann
University of Central Florida

Not only was I able to participate in a week long Mobile Clinic, shadowing doctors of all types of specialties including pharmacy, dentistry, gynecology, and more, but I was also able to learn about the culture and visit incredible places.

Testimonial Quote

Julian Takagi-Stewart
University of Toronto

One thing that I really loved about this trip was that MEDLIFE made sure that the volunteers got an understanding of the complexity of issues that lead to underprivileged people in communities outside of the main city

Testimonial Quote

Hannah Van Hofwegen
University of Ottawa

Whether it was basketball with the local kids, assisting the doctors, talking with families, building washrooms, holding babies, or spending time with the people who were on the SLT with me, this was an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again.

Testimonial Quote

Isabelle Holt
Cornell University

I loved learning about the patients MEDLIFE has followed and how they offer real help to people with chronic/urgent conditions. It is amazing how the organization formed real connections with the communities.

Testimonial Quote

Valerie Lindeborg
Parent

Our family had the privilege of participating in multiple trips with Nick [founder] and his amazing staff. Their expertise made the trips unforgettable while instilling in my boys the fundamentals of good character: selflessness, compassion, and empathy.

Testimonial Quote

Harry Vildibill
University of Georgia

As an aspiring physician, MEDLIFE motivated me to further continue my goal of becoming a doctor. In fact, I enjoyed the Tanzania Service Learning Trip so much that I decided to go on another trip to Cusco, Peru.