Next Telling Stories Speaker, Dr. Bill Foege

Vashon Islander, Dr. William Foege, is credited with devising the global strategy that led to the eradication of smallpox. It has been estimated that Dr. Foege’s work has saved the lives of more than 122 million people worldwide. Vashon Community Care is excited to announce that the next speaker in the Telling Stories Speaker Series, by and about Vashon locals, will be Dr. Foege.

Dr. Foege will share fascinating stories from his life of global health work. You’ll hear stories about what it’s like getting shot at while giving shots to children. How Bill came to be arrested two different times by opposing sides in the Nigerian Civil War. And, the interconnectedness of talking drums in Nigeria, malnourished children in the Gold Coast of Africa, burning village houses in India and the internment of Japanese-Americans in the United State during World War II.

Currently Senior Fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Islander Dr. Bill Foege has held a succession of distinguished positions, including Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Executive Director of the Carter Center and Professor and Health Policy Fellow at Emory University. Dr. Foege is the author of a newly released book, "House on Fire."

Come join us to hear life stories from one of the most respected men in the field of Global Health, Sunday, October 23 at 4 pm at Bethel Church. All proceeds benefit the residents and programs of Vashon Community Care. Ticket sales are by donation and are available at Books by the Way, Vashon Book Shop or Vashon Community Care. We expect tickets to sell out fast, so be sure to pick up your tickets in advance of the event. The Telling Stories Speaker Series is made possible by a generous donation from the estate of David W. and Catharine A. Carr.