West Bank Cleft Urology Mission

West Bank 2009

“I have had the privilege of recently documenting medical missions throughout five Asian countries. While on these life-changing missions, people who live outside the walled houses, outside the gated communities and outside the resorts have welcomed me into their homes and their lives. My work captures moments in time of simple lives that have limited resources but a very large heart. I was profoundly affected by the fact that the people I photographed were creative out of constraint, hard-working for their families and at peace with their lives.�

Bruce Byers 2009 Bruce Byers is a photographer who looks for the story behind every image. Born in Reno, he grew up on the East Coast where he developed a successful professional photography business. Over his career, he has traveled worldwide as a commercial photographer and photojournalist. Bruce has been capturing images for over 40 years, and his photographs define his life with a focus on time. Each image tells a story of the past, present, and future. By refining the art of observation, Byers has an innate ability to capture special moments and immerse the viewer in a world of private reflections that often go unnoticed.

Bruce started documenting medical missions in 2006, first in Cambodia and subsequently in Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, China and most recently in 2009, the West Bank. This book represents the many stories behind a medical mission. His desire to experience more of the world grows with every mission.

Take a moment to look at a world not often seen. You will learn about a world that most of us have passed by. Bruce hopes your life will be enriched just a bit more by time you finish this book.

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There will always be a child somewhere in the world that needs help. How do you make the all-important connection that will change a child’s life … and yours as well?

This book is the photographic story behind my latest mission into the West Bank.

There had been a two-year wait for our team of doctors to go into Gaza. The problems of the region made it necessary to shift our trip to Nablus in the West Bank. This turned out to be an unexpected gift for the children there. In October 2009, we departed into an area of the world where we were repeatedly warned not to go. We were told it was dangerous; the people were evil and there was a good chance we might not come home. At the same time, the surgeons were told that there were children in the region that really needed their help.

This mission was run by the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (www.pcrf.net). Over the next week so many children’s lives were transformed. Renewed self-esteem and a shot at happiness was our parting gift to them. Our team was able to connect with complete strangers who gave us unforgettable memories and we were able to use our medical skills to help their children. It turned out to be a wonderful place, with great people. I was invited into a community that the world had given up on. As a journalist, the story HAD to be told.

Through a number of non-profits, I have documented many missions. I will continue to bring the amazing stories of the world’s children to people who haven’t had the opportunity to be there personally to help. I need your support to bring these stories home.

If you can help in any way, from supplies to financial support, please contact Bruce at 212-585-3928. All support is tax deductable. email: byers@brucebyers.com

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Nablus

Our Host

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The Children

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Our Team

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Life in Nablus

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Silver

Dr John Wallace

Parting Shots

Amal Jubran 66

Dr Jonathan Bingham

Dr Imre Redai Dr Mohammed Erakat