Success Story

Whether it's teaching students in Kulai, Malaysia or Brooklyn, New York, or donating your kidney to a complete stranger, being a Peace Corps Volunteer inspires a lifetime of service. 

Anne McAvoy of Portland and Norman Sapoznik of Brooklyn both served in Malaysia from 1967-1969. However, their paths didn't cross until last November when Norman, on dialysis and in desperate need of a kidney donation, reached out to the Peace Corps community for help. He contacted National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President Glenn Blumhorst asking for help connecting to his fellow volunteers. The NPCA agreed, using its blog, Facebook, Twitter and enewsletter to inform members of Norman's situation and ask for help. Norman later declared "I just knew it was going to work." And work it did. 

Anne responded after reading Norm's appeal in NPCA's e-newsletter, and the surgery was successfully performed on May 19th! Anne and Norman have now recovered and are functioning well. The NPCA is thrilled to be part of this story. Our mission of championing lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals truly materialized in this exchange. It's about community helping community," says Glenn. 

Norman gives thanks to Glenn and the NPCA staff for catalyzing this exchange but recognizes Anne as the true hero, saying "I am in perpetual awe of her. She represents the true Peace Corps spirit. It proves the feelings we had in the 1960s were carried forward and that Peace Corps is capable not only of helping the world, but each other, even after 45 years." 

By supporting the NPCA you champion people like Anne and Norman, people who make the Peace Corps community the united and vibrant community it is.