Cathy “Ndidi” Cramer

Cathy “Ndidi” Cramer grew up in an integrated neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in a time of racial inequality and injustice. Race riots and army trucks lining the streets were commonplace. Brought up in a family of readers, Ndidi fell in love with Africa while reading an article in a National Geographic magazine about a war ensuing in Biafra, Nigeria. Children were being used to fight, and die for a cause they could never understand. She told her mother that she would travel there to help the children, she was 8.

In 2004, Cathy made that trip to Nigeria, and her journey began in the heart of what was once considered “Biafra.” The year was dedicated in service to the people of Nigeria.
The name “Ndidi” was given to her by the Igbo physician she traveled with appropriately translated, “Patience.” Ndidi traveled throughout cities and villages and through the marketplaces facilitating makeshift clinics wherever possible, generally averaging 200 patients daily. She fell in love with the people of Africa, especially the women and children.

In 2006, Ndidi traveled to Sierra Leone for 4 weeks to meet the people and see the conditions for herself. She spent time in meetings, hospitals and schools and is ever dedicated to doing her part in aiding in the plight of the African people.
“Children’s educational and health needs are not being met at any level, it is our responsibility as fellow human beings to serve others who cannot help themselves.”
In March 2007, Ndidi will again travel to Sierra Leone for 6 weeks to work on facilitation of programs for Seisay Foundation, Inc.

Working with Seisay Foundation, Inc., Ndidi would like to open several community wellness clinics designed to meet the basic needs of the people, particularly in the rural villages.
The clinics will have access to educational materials designed to promote a healthier way of life for the people, specifically targeting diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension and HIV/AIDS. Each clinic will have access to vitamins and over the counter medications such as Tylenol and aspirin .The clinics will be staffed by trained medical professionals and monetarily supported by FAI in order to facilitate adequate staffing to meet community needs.

Ndidi currently works full-time with an Internal Medicine physician. As Vice President of Seisay Foundation, Inc., she spends most of her free time educating and canvassing for medical, pharmaceutical, and educational supplies to ship to Africa. Her family, physician, co-workers, and patients are a huge source of encouragement as she continues to push forward in her goals.
“We are all brothers and sisters; we share a common denominator, Humanity. We all have talents, we all have abilities, and sometimes we just need direction.”

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