Carmen Yirka is a long way from her hometown of Powell River; over 16,000 kilometres away, off the coast of Madagascar aboard Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity hospital ship.
Operated by an international, religious-based charity providing free health care, education programs and palliative care, Africa Mercy is anything but an ordinary ship. Its compliment of volunteer doctors, nurses and crew have brought healing and hope to the most impoverished people in the world.
Carmen is anything but an ordinary crew member aboard the extraordinary ship. The 28-year-old’s job is as a chef leading the galley team to feed 400 shipmates, not easy for someone born with Apert syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the normal growth of bones.
“Your fingers and your toes are fused together and they have to surgically cut each finger and toe apart,” said Carmen. The syndrome also resulted in Carmen’s skull being too small for her brain, so doctors had to install plates.
Carmen’s mother Brenda Yirka was a school teacher in Powell River when Carmen was born. Brenda remembers everyone in the delivery room joking that Carmen was having a hard time coming into the world before a Cesarean section was deemed necessary.
“When they brought Carmen out it was just silent in the room,” said Brenda. “It was nothing they had expected. And then I held Carmen for the first time and I was just overcome with love. I didn’t see the problems that would be ahead.”
From four months old to age 17 Carmen went through multiple corrective operations. Her family was by her side for each and every one. Carmen now has the use of opposable thumbs, but not full dexterity in her fingers. That has never stopped her from cooking or dampened her spirit.
At first, she applied for a six-month tour aboard Africa Mercy. It was not easy; she was homesick for Powell River.
“At the beginning, I really didn’t know what I got myself into,” said Carmen. “It was a ship full of 400 people from different nationalities around the world and I had no one. I cried myself to sleep for two months.”
What changed and made her want to stay was a youngster who Carmen only refers to as the ”Apert syndrome boy.” The seven-year-old had been brought to the floating hospital to undergo the same surgeries Carmen had years before.
“It made me realize that if I was born in Africa, I’d be in the gutter,” said Carmen. “I’d be in the garbage because they just cast off people who are different. It broke my heart.”
Carmen said she recalls the boy’s mother being with him for all of the operations and seeing the hope in her eyes that “he would live a beautiful life.”
After he recovered, the boy could run and play soccer, like seven-year-old boys around the world, said Carmen. After that experience, she stayed. She realized that as someone who had suffered and survived herself, she could give hope to others.
After graduating from Brooks Secondary School’s culinary program in 2006, Carmen worked at a few restaurants in Powell River.
“It was good, but I thought there was still something missing,” she said. “I love cooking with all my heart. I knew I wanted to help people and I knew I didn’t want to work in just any kitchen.”
Then Carmen found her calling, the Africa Mercy, where she gets to cook and give back.
According to Mercy Ships Canada national director Tim Maloney, Carmen is an essential component to work aboard the ship.
“Without her service as cook to our crew, all activity onboard would simply cease,” said Maloney. “Carmen provides the fuel to our mission and enables our volunteers to change lives and meet needs in countries that we serve.”
To her crew mates, Carmen is described as undaunted and inspirational; her nickname is the Energizer. That makes sense, she said.
“My sister says I have two speeds; fast and faster,” said Carmen, while at the same time admitting to having five cups of espresso every day.
About five and a half years ago, Carmen decided it was time to move on and leave the Africa Mercy, but it was not long before the Energizer was back aboard. She said her experience has taught her to “follow your dreams, follow your heart. You can do anything. I know I can.”
For more information about the Africa Mercy, go to mercyships.ca.
