Become a Beat Malaria Champion

Hometown: Fox River Grove, Illinois

As a father of two young boys I couldn’t imagine getting them ready for bed at night and being worried that a simple mosquito bite could end their lives. Every child should have the opportunity to live a healthy and happy life. Thank you United Nations Foundation and the Junior Chamber “Jaycees” movement for getting me involved.

Hometown: Durham, North Carolina

My name is Acelynn Barefoot, and I am a Nothing But Nets Champion reaching out to the Durham area through my school – Northern High – and my church – Duke Chapel.

Hometown: New York City, New York

I have been involved with Nothing But Nets for three years on the leadership team for an annual Sports Challenge fundraising event at my school. I now run the event and this year for the first time, have expanded it into other NYC schools as well. I’m excited to continue my efforts to raise awareness and money to help provide life-saving bed nets for as many children as possible and look forward to continuing to make this event even bigger and more successful for Nothing But Nets in the years to come.

Hometown: Cresskill, New Jersey

Olivia Newman is a high school junior in Cresskill, New Jersey, who is very passionate about being connected to the world around her, and loves participating in Nothing but Nets as it allows her to make an impact far from her home. She has thoroughly enjoyed advocating for what she believes in both through political action and fundraising campaigns, and hopes to continue to work with Nothing but Nets for many years to come.

Hometown: Cresskill, New Jersey

Maya Davidov is a high school student who feels very strongly about global health and wanted to make a difference. She has advocated with her lawmakers about continuing funding for the President’s Malaria Initiative and Global Fund as well as hosting various events and fundraisers within her community to promote awareness for malaria.

Hometown: New York, New York

I support Nothing But Nets by dressing up as the mascot Mozzie the Mosquito during events. The Mozzie costume is perfect for engaging a crowd and educating them about malaria prevention!

Hometown: Hollis, New York

I have found it so rewarding to reach out and educate the public about Nothing But Nets and to engage members of Congress to support funding. Ending malaria is a priority!

Hometown: New York, New York

Jack started working with the Nothing But Nets campaign during high school, organizing fundraisers and educating fellow students about malaria. As a member of the Champions Council, he spoke at the Million Nets Pledge in 2015 on the importance of millennial involvement and has gone to Capitol Hill to advocate for the cause with his local Congressmen. He is continuing his commitment to the fight against malaria into college as he finishes up his first year at Cornell.

Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Lynda Commale, Katherine’s mom, had been supporting Nothing But Nets since its creation. After learning about malaria and life saving bed nets via a PBS special, Lynda knew she had to help. She and her daughter have sent tens of thousands of nets to those in need and Lynda participated in a net distribution to Uganda in 2009. She continues to support these efforts through the United Methodist Church and supports Nothing But Nets in any way she can.

Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Katherine Commale has been sending nets to Africa since the age of 5 and is the one of the original campaign supporters. Now, at the age of 16, Katherine continues to fundraiser through the United Methodist Church and Nothing But Nets and especially enjoys teaching children about life saving bed nets. Her creation of the bed net gift certificate has helped her send tens of thousands of nets to those in need.

Hometown: Medaryville, Indiana

I began my engagement with Nothing But Nets through my involvement with JCI USA and my time as National President. It has been amazing journey for not only me buy my family. My son and I got the opportunity to travel to Africa 2015 for an observation trip, and that just solidified our commitment to this great cause.

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois

Andy Wang became interested in Nothing But Nets after learning that his aunt had survived malaria as a child. He attended the 2017 Nothing But Nets Leadership Summit, where he learned how to make his voice heard.

Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware

I am part of the Nothing But Nets fight against Malaria, because instead of enjoying the best moments of their childhood, children from all across Africa are dying to this easily preventable disease; but I take solace in knowing that a group of dedicated people from Nothing But Nets are doing all they can to solve this heartbreaking problem.

Hometown: Union City, California

From a young age, I have believed in the fight against malaria and Nothing But Nets has done an amazing job leading the charge. On behalf of Nothing But Nets, I have fund-raised and raised awareness in my local community through advocacy.

Hometown: Highland Park, Illinois

With Nothing But Nets, we save lives. Whoever saves one life, saves all of humanity.

Hometown: Pearland, Texas

Michael Hesse, a student and competitive soccer player from Pearland, TX, began spreading the word about NBN as a fifth grader in 2014 through presentations, community service fairs in his school district, and a variety of initiatives tied to his success as a goalkeeper. To date, Michael has raised over $12,000 for NBN in donations and matching funds from hundreds of friends and family members in his local community and around the US, making custom-made survival bracelets as thank-you gifts for every contributor to Team Michael.

Hometown: Loma Linda, California

I’m originally from Ghana, and lives in California, I know firsthand how malaria can terribly affect person’s life. On September 1, 2016, I met with Congressman Pete Aguliar’s staff to advocate for his support to approve the President’s Malaria Initiative funding. Also promotes to Riverside Ghanaian Community, California to support the good work of Nothing but Net for our dear African Continent.

I started my work for Nothing But Nets holding bake sales in my local community, yearly I go back to my old classes from elementary school giving presentations and helping to spread the word. In the near future after I obtain my sociology and public health degrees I intend to go down to Africa and deliver the nets first hand seeing my work in action.

Hometown: Lafayette, California

Cooper is a young philanthropist and a long-time ardent supporter of Nothing But Nets – raising money, increasing awareness and creating logos for the Champion Council.

Hometown: Chesterfield, Missouri

In 2006, I joined the Nothing But Nets campaign since its start and it was one child dying every 30 seconds. More than ten years later, every 2 minutes another child dies from malaria. This is still not ok. It was through helping those in need that we found the real meaning of happiness and what really matters.

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

My name is John Dominguez, and I went to the Nothing But Nets Leadership Summit in April 2017. Before, I didn’t know much about malaria and it’s significant impact, but now I am dedicated to the fight to end it. NBN taught me how to tackle advocacy issues, so I can make an impact too.

Hometown: Syracuse, New York

As an amateur entomologist with a deep dedication towards international development, the fight against malaria integrates what I am most passionate about in life. Having previously worked within the Sub-Sahara African region, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by this disease, but am optimistic about our ability to fight it. I currently reside in Washington, DC, and therefore have direct access to be an effective advocate, and look forward to representing the Nothing but Nets campaign at a high level

Hometown: Peachtree City, Georgia

I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because I believe that every person, no matter where they live, has the right to thrive. To ensure sustainable development, it is pertinent to combat preventable diseases, like malaria. While there have been strides in reducing malaria (thanks to efforts like the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund), there is still work to be done and progress to be made. By spreading awareness and having open discussions with my Congress members, I can take concrete action to combat this preventable disease.

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

About two or so years ago, I first became involved in the United Nations as a young person sharing my perspective on conflict and sustainable development. While the UN in New York City, I met with a group of young West Africans who shared their experiences with Malaria with me. Learning from them about their experiences with Malaria, and its impact in their community, led me to becoming an advocate to defeat Malaria.

Growing up in the southern United States, mosquitoes were always a common nuisance as a child. Being bitten by one was never a cause of concern besides scarring. To imagine other children around certain areas of the world dealing with mosquitos, as a life or death case, was hard to conceptualize at first.

Malaria is far more than just a public health issue. It’s a foreign policy issue, a national security issue, an education issue, an economic issue, etc. Malaria affects all facets of society regardless if it is a state in the process of post-conflict reconstruction or an emerging state. I’m committed to fighting against Malaria and eradicating it once and for all.

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because malaria is such a prominent issue, it takes so many lives, especially in underdeveloped areas where the people who inhabit the areas don’t have to ability or supplies necessary change their surroundings and/or prevent malaria. However, we have the ability to put a stop to malaria, and if we have the ability to save lives, keep families together, then I believe that we should do everything in our power to do so.

Hometown: Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Helping a fellow human being is one of the qualities that each and every one of us should strive to perfect. We live in a world where people die needlessly from a disease that can be prevented and cured. Children, pregnant women, and refugees from the developing world are especially in an urgent state of need for help to treat Malaria-a mosquito borne disease. As an advocate to defeat Malaria, I am the voice of those in need; those silenced by this treatable and preventable disease, and those who know that they are not alone and that there are still many of us who care about their lives.

Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut

I think I am passionate about defeating Malaria because hundreds of thousands of people die from a treatable disease ever year and as individuals we can not allow others to suffer because they have less resources than us. It is our duty to do what we can to provide others with medicine and preventive measures so that malaria is not contracted and fatal. Malaria is a disease that can be eliminated and hopefully eradicated someday. Providing medicine and bed nets has been proven to reduce the amount of malaria cases every year, so why stop now? Lets do what works and eliminate the disease. I believe the best way to eliminate malaria is to raise awareness, and then call upon our elected representatives to put it on the political platform and fund initiatives. Together we can achieve the change that we seek, but it requires public advocacy and political support.

Hometown: ­­­­­­­­­­Omaha, Nebraska

I was born and lived in Africa (Togo), I understand the health and economic issues malaria is having on the continent. I am joining the fight again malaria, as an Advocacy Champion because I cannot rest when many people, especially, children who deserve to live are dying from a disease, which is preventable and treatable.

Although malaria largely impacts people in developing countries, it has an impact beyond those borders. As many people are traveling around the world, the risk of contracting malaria is real. I live in Nebraska, home of the Offutt Air Force Base. Our service members, while traveling, are in danger of contracting malaria and protecting them is critical.

Serving as an Advocacy Champion and fighting against malaria is a significant investment that will yield great returns.

Hometown: Gujarat, India

If I could take you along with me to see, experience and feel the suffering in violent conflict zones of India, you would know that no one wakes up in the morning wanting to die. Not from a bullet, nor a landmine and least of all from a mosquito. Sadly, the latter engenders a need for the former. The right to a healthy life with dignity can end many wars. It is that simple.

Hometown: Denver, CO

My personal health battles with cancer, autoimmune diseases and debilitating disabilities has deepened my commitment to improving the health outcomes for all humanity. After my near death on May 9th, 2016 due to health complications, I decided to devote the rest of my life to supporting the goals of the United Nations, in the ways that I am able.

I am a community scholar who uses arts-based methods to conduct participatory action research. My studies, research and advocacy focus on topics including but not limited to: refugee education, strengths-based disabilities advocacy in school settings, trauma sensitive education spaces and leadership studies that foster inclusion and sustainable peace. Malaria impacts many different communities, including refugees, IDPs (internally displaced persons), pregnant mothers and children. I care about reducing malaria deaths for all people impacted by the disease.

I am the daughter of a Navy veteran and a community advocate for the American military. I have had the honor of meeting active duty men and women who support humanitarian efforts in regions of the world impacted by Malaria. I deeply care about making sure that our troops and other healthcare workers are protected from Malaria.

It is my pleasure to be a Bridge-walker, in other words, an advocate for all of humanity. Supporting the Nothing But Nets fight against Malaria is one way to demonstrate my commitment to bridge-walking.

Hometown: Yucaipa, California

I have been obsessed by biology since my high school age. I wanted to know how living beings are made and how they function. I majored in science for my college education and decided to pursue biology in my graduate studies. When I took a parasitology course, I found my passion. I had heard of Malaria and had seen people sick but I did not know much more about how it is acquired and transmitted. The course provided those facts and much more. I learned from that class that parasitic diseases are easy to prevent. I learned what can be done and when I returned home after my studies I tried to implement some measures to prevent those diseases endemic to my area.

On my return to USA, I encouraged my fellow Africans to raise awareness about malaria and to contribute in any way possible in helping eradicate malaria. When Nothing But Nets was born, I found a solid campaign I can partner with in providing mosquito nets to the continent I love. It was been quite an experience and my excitement goes up every time I read or hear about progress being made in the fight again malaria.

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because we have the ability to save so many lives from a horrible yet entirely preventable disease, we just need the support! As someone who is interested in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations, it only make sense that I do what I can to help those especially at risk for contracting malaria stay healthy and safe. I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because I want to be able to say that malaria was eradicated in my lifetime.

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because it is a preventable disease that shouldn’t be spreading like it does in the first place. I want to stand up and have a voice for those that do not and I want to see Malaria be completely eradicated in places of the world where its affecting everyday people like myself the most.

Hometown: Bronx, New York

In 2007 I saw Rick Riley’s infomercial on ESPN. My son was 1 at the time. The fact that something so miniscule as a mosquito bite could take the life of one’s child struck a chord in me. Nothing But Nets empowered me with a platform to do something about that.

Hometown: Houston, Texas

I began my journey advocating against malaria as a free-range project I took on as a junior in high school for my Academy of Science and Engineering class. After getting involved, however, I found out quickly that the work I was doing went far beyond any class or grade. I have found myself in position to continue working with the highly successful organization, Nothing But Nets, to help advocate against malaria, a disease that is preventable, and actually save lives in the process. I refuse to live a quiet life when I know there is something I can be doing for the pure wellbeing of this world and the people on it. I want to be part of something that is bigger than myself, that is why I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria once and for all.

Hometown: Washington D.C.

As a global citizen, I believe that it is my duty to alleviate suffering caused by illness. Malaria fatally condemns millions of lives annually and continues to wreak havoc in the poorest, most marginalized communities of the world. It prevents families from working, children from attending school, and it ends lives too early. No one should suffer or die from preventable diseases, especially when the ability to control and eradicate these global threats is within our grasp.

Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts

Malaria is a tragedy – it is heartbreaking and it is not fair. However, it is preventable. Global health initiatives should always be a nonpartisan, well-funded, top priority. Nothing But Nets provides an incredible platform and opportunity to advocate for vulnerable children, families, and populations in the fight against this deadly disease, and I am so thankful that I can do my part in fostering a more just and peaceful world through such an impactful campaign.

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

I am passionate about advocating for malaria because in this changing political arena it is imperative that I fight harder than ever for the vulnerable communities throughout the world that do not have the resources to protect themselves against this preventable disease. These vulnerable communities should not have to worry about missing school or their job because they were unable access a bed net. I advocate for malaria because I do not want to see a child die every two minutes from a disease that can be prevented with a bed net.

Hometown: Oakland Park, Florida

I am passionate about advocating to defeat malaria because I am a survivor! I am a multiple time survivor of a disease that is completely treatable and preventable. But somehow, in the 21st century every 2 minutes a child in Sub-Sahara Africa still dies from it. As long as I live, I will advocate, fundraise and spread awareness of Malaria until it is eradicated in Africa. In 2015 Europe became malaria free…Africa is next!

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Chip Huber is the athletic director at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been a devoted Nothing But Nets Champion for many years. In 2011, he travelled with the Cornerstone University soccer team to Zambia, and came back inspired to make a change and give back to the communities and families he met there. In honor of World Malaria Day this past April, Chip organized his 5th Annual 5K Run, as part of the larger Night of Nets Campaign, which has provided over 30,000 families with long lasting insecticide-treated bed nets. This year, over 100 participants were involved, with each runner providing a bed net for a family in need – the event raised $3,100! Not only is Chip passionate about this work himself, but he has also influenced his students and other Universities to join the fight and work to defeat this horrible disease. With Champions like Chip, we know we can be the generation to #endmalaria for good.

Hometown: Riverside, California

When I was a child, my family served as medical missionaries in India. My father, a physician, was bitten and eventually died from an autoimmune disease he contracted from a mosquito.

No matter how successful or educated we become, I know it can all be taken away in an instant, and from something as small as a mosquito.

After years of mourning the loss of my father, I have tried to find a way to honor him. I can think of no better cause than the United Nations Foundation and the life-saving work of Nothing But Nets