People of AMPATH: Sarah Ellen Mamlin
Sarah Ellen Mamlin
Sarah Ellen Mamlin is a beloved member of the AMPATH family. For more than three decades, she has helped AMPATH people and programs grow including the Amani Shelter, Sally Test Child Life Program, stethoscope ceremony for Moi University medical students, educational exchanges to the U.S. and so much more. Every visitor to IU House was made to feel at home thanks to the warm, hospitable environment influenced by Sarah Ellen.
Joe and Sarah Ellen moved back to Indiana in 2019 but have continued to travel to Kenya and collaborate with their AMPATH friends and colleagues. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last year and have been honored as Indiana Living Legends and recipients of the Ryan White Distinguished Leadership Award.
Sarah Ellen took some time to reflect on her time in Kenya:
What are some of the things you are proud of from your time in Kenya?
Watch the Indiana Living Legends video from the Indiana Historical Society
I’m proudest of the young women and men who have become Child Life Specialists who have taken what they’ve learned and joyfully interpret it into love that leads so many children through unfamiliarly frightening medical procedures during their hospital stays. Today these Child Life Specialists in Kenya are helping their country appreciate new ways of understanding childhood using their experience and knowledge.
What is your best life advice for young people, especially young women?
Change is inevitable. One’s job is to find ways to best adapt to life’s changes making sure choices made are always undergirded by love of family, others, and oneself.
What are some of your volunteer/philanthropic activities since returning to Indiana?
I have been able to step back into participating and nurturing the feeding ministry called Bread & Bowl at my church that regularly serves individuals that are homeless, hungry, or experiencing a variety of insecurities.
I also share in the Oasis Tutoring (adult literacy) program in Pike Township (Indianapolis).
What makes the AMPATH partnership special?
AMPATH provides avenues for both individuals and institutions to involve themselves in whole patient care while collaborating in discovering unique and appropriate solutions to impossible situations as they learn with and from colleagues across countries and disciplines.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am simply grateful for having been able to share the joy of being a part of the Kenya AMPATH home, experience and community.