Deborah Bell

2005 Winner – Social Category
Age: 51
Hometown: Gilmer, Texas
Nominated by: Cindy Murry, Friend

As a volunteer on her first medical mission to San Raymundo, Guatemala, Deborah Bell, a nurse practitioner, observed how desperately Guatemalans needed continuity of medical care, clean water and nutritional supplements.

So moved by what she saw, Bell co-founded Refuge International (www.refugeinternational.com), a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of the families and individuals in these regions through the collaborative development of sustainable programs in areas where health care, adequate nutrition, clean water and education are lacking or non-existent.

Under Bell's compassionate, capable leadership, 17 groups of health care workers have traveled with her to Guatemala. They have treated more than 9,000 patients and distributed 2 million vitamins. The group is now in the process of building a permanent medical clinic in remote Sarstun, Guatemala, with plans to provide funding for full-time staffing. Bell also has obtained and arranged for the distribution of 1.2 million meals to residents of the region. Volunteers with Refuge International also oversee and train local residents to drill water wells, obtain grants for vitamin and de-worming programs and assist with many other ongoing efforts.

Bell's tireless efforts, vision and determination are changing the lives of many in Guatemala. She truly does "Stand On A Better World." We are honored to recognize her as our Winner in the Social Category.

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