Ted M. Alemayhu, US Doctors for Africa

As a young man growing up in Africa, Ted Alemayhu witnessed the ravages of HIV/AIDS first hand. He saw it tear apart his community, shorten the lives of young and old, and alter the landscape of Africa as a whole. Nevertheless, he never lost hope.

One of thirteen children, Ted watched as his father toiled for $42 per month that barely supported his family. Determined not to let his future be dictated by these circumstances, Ted wrote a letter to a US boarding school he found in a booklet a wealthy friend had given him. He explained his situation and requested help from the school in realizing his dream of an education and a better life.

There was one problem — mailing the letter. A stamp cost forty-five cents. Forty-five cents his family didn’t have. An uncle finally came to his aid with the postage, but no one in the community thought Ted would ever realize his dream. When he was accepted into the school, and his Visa arrived, nearly one hundred people came to his house just to see if it was real.

Meanwhile, Ted's own deep belief and determination had rallied support to his cause nearly half a world away. Over time, the school, several organizations and individuals provided him with an airplane ticket, a complete scholarship, clothes, supplies and the education he had so longed for. For his part - both before and after arriving in the U.S. - Ted overcame every obstacle with calm and hard work. He steadfastly drove his dream forward.

Readily accepted by his American family and the larger community, Ted grappled with cultural, linguistic and attitudinal differences. He got involved in his new community, completed high school and lettered in varsity soccer. He learned how to live as his own person in the United States, where the streets are NOT paved with gold, as so many in his neighborhood in Addis had believed.

Ted went on to college and then to a job in Westwood, on the west side of Los Angeles. Once he established himself, he began sending much of his pay back to his family in Ethiopia. He had made his way in life, but it wasn't enough. He knew that his path involved doing much more "for the people I left behind." The vision wasn't yet clear, but the direction was set and he knew he was on the right path.

Ted has always been concerned about good medical care that is not readily available in Africa, especially for the poor. He and his family knew first hand what it means to have inadequate medical attention and no money to pay for medical needs.

After more than a year's research and work, Ted's dream to give back has begun to come to fruition in his forming US Doctors For Africa. Focused on providing the appropriate healthcare to his African people, US Doctors For Africa is the embodiment of his vision.

When you meet Ted, and he tells you his story, he is full of life and smiles in a way that relays unfettered joy, excitement and light. As he smiles, you can't help but think about the determination and power behind that smile and the light in his eyes. You come to believe that he is a conduit for the hopes, dreams and future of many of the people he "left behind" in Africa.