Wayland Veterinarian Asks To Help Elephant Savior In Thailand

WAYLAND, MA—Veterinarian Amy Shroff gave up her clinic in 2013 when she decided to devote her expertise to helping animals in countries where their plight is less protected. She visited Thailand and that kicked off her volunteer work at Elephant Nature Park, which is north of Chiang Mai. She now has 500 dogs, 250 cats, and other animal at a small clinic she built up there.

She also has connected with those who live there and fight to protect animals. One of those devoted souls being Noi Jitrak.

"This beautiful, compassionate, hard-working, wonderful woman was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer earlier this year," writes Shroff on a GoFundMe page that has already raised its goal of $5,000. "Despite chemotherapy and surgery, the cancer has unfortunately spread to her liver, lungs, spine, ribs and femur."

Jitrak, who has been unable to work, has no income and limited social insurance. She also has dedicated the last ten years to sharing the plight of the Asian Elephant, said Shroff.

"She has left a lasting impression on thousands of visitors to Thailand where she worked as a tour guide," writes Shroff. "Noi is extremely concerned about her children’s future and some funds will be used as a scholarship to pay for their education and care. "

Photo via GoFundME, used by permission from Amy Shroff