Orbis is an international nonprofit delivering sight-saving programs in over 200 countries and regions worldwide so that individuals, families, and communities can thrive.
International Women's Day: Meet Orbis hero Valerie Suberg
In honor of International Women's Day we're delighted to introduce you to a vital member of the Orbis family - Valerie Suberg - our Senior Manager of Aircraft Maintenance. Without this incredible woman, our Flying Eye Hospital would never get off the ground - literally.
Hailing from a small town in Northern California, the former FedEx worker has traveled all over the world with Orbis ensuring the safe operation of our MD-10 and its predecessor, the DC-10.
Valerie has worked in aircraft operations for over 30 years and has been graciously donating her time to Orbis since 2002 when she was first chosen to be the FedEx volunteer to support our DC-10.
Getting the aircraft to its destination and being able to provide a safe airplane for the hospital is a challenge she really enjoys.
We think Valerie is being too modest here. By keeping our MD-10 in top condition, Valerie ensures our state-of-the-art flying teaching hospital can travel the globe with world-leading volunteers sharing knowledge and skills with communities that need it most.
One of her most memorable moments while volunteering with Orbis took place in 2003. She was moved to tears by two young girls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The pair were blind in both eyes with cataracts and underwent surgery on the plane. She said: “The next day the girls were brought to the laser room and sat facing each other, with their fathers and the patches were taken off. We then gave them little mirrors and they could see themselves. It brought tears to everyone in the room. I heard afterwards that the girls went on to college and had their own families."
Valerie, on this International Women's Day, we thank you for all your hard work and dedication - you are truly an inspiration!
Without you, we wouldn't be able to transform so many lives and provide training opportunities for doctors, nurses and healthcare teams around the world - thank you.
HELP THE ORBIS FAMILY FIGHT BLINDNESS AROUND THE WORLD
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