What Working In Medical Crowdfunding Looks Like To A Newbie

The social media saga…

A few months ago, the only exposure I had to medical crowdfunding was when I came across an ad for it on the Play Store. I clicked on it and was immediately met with the heart-rending story of an emotional person who urgently required funds to pay off his rising medical debt. The video showed a man with disabilities who was unable to carry out simple day-to-day tasks. He was being taken care of by his aging mother who was growing weaker with the march of time. I remembered being taken by the ad, particularly the grief (and pain!) felt by not just the patient but also the mother. It made me pick up the phone and call my mom immediately.

A few days later, I came across another ad on YouTube, shot in a similar vein. This time I wanted to do something… something as powerful as donating and sharing. Something that would make me a part of the process and help me understand the workings of this industry much better. Cut to the present and I’m working for the same medical crowdfunding platform whose ad I watched - ImpactGuru.

A new start.

Everything happened so quickly that all of it still seems like a blur now. One fine day, I contacted HR via email; and the next, we were already conversing on the phone. After that, I was sent a couple of written tests, which I appeared for remotely. After it was decided internally that we could take things forward, I had separate conversations with the various HODs so that all of them could get to know me better. Post that, in just a handful of days, I was a part of ImpactGuru. 

There are quite a few departments in this rapidly growing organisation. Within the content department, I’m part of a  highly effective team that takes care of brand communications. We are passionate about what we do and love taking on a challenge. It’s exciting to interact with all my team members because I always end up learning something new. And I’m glad that they are picking up a few things from me too in return. In fact, we just got word that a couple of more people will be joining our team soon. Truth be told, it’s not just our department that’s growing. That trend can be seen in the other teams in our company too. And did I forget to mention that it’s not just all work and no play? It’s hardly been a few days and we already had a fun lunch in the office all thanks to our manager where all of us got to connect with each other over yummy food. Let me just go ahead and rub it in… The unanimous decision was to call for biryani. All I will say is… Chalo! What are you waiting for, guys? Sign up pronto or get used to living with FOMO!

Medical Crowdfunding: What’s that?

The official definition on the company’s FAQ section reads: “Crowdfunding is a quick and easy way to raise money using the internet and social media. Using an online fundraiser page, you can raise large amounts through donations from across the world to help any social, personal or creative need. Campaigners have used crowdfunding to pay for critical medical treatments such as cancer care or transplant, support disaster relief work, help a non-profit or a social cause and even fund personal needs such as education or businesses.” But everyone in the office knows that there is more to it than just these formal-sounding words on the website. Crowdfunding, and, in particular, medical crowdfunding, has a deeper meaning because it enriches people’s lives. Now that I’ve witnessed the magic behind the scenes, I have a better understanding of what the definition provided on the site conveys.

Making a difference.

If it weren’t for the ImpactGuru platform, a lot of people in need wouldn’t have received the medical aid that they desperately needed but couldn’t afford. Over 70% of the Indian population is either under-insured or outright not insured. In case of emergencies or accidents, the majority of Indians are unable to raise the amount required for timely medical intervention. Medical crowdfunding on platforms like ImpactGuru works out great as there is no cap on the money one can raise. In fact, that can be done in a very short amount of time when compared to the other traditional methods of fundraising. Also, did I mention that it is free to start a fundraiser? So, why don’t you get on the website and do some good for someone who needs your help? And while you’re at it, get your family and friends to chip in by spreading the word to others as well.

How about creating an impact?

So, here I am, alongside young and energetic team players, who are ready and raring to go whenever they hear food or coffee being mentioned. Just joking… But on a serious note, they feel that way actually whenever they hear of a person who needs their help. All the personnel here are motivated and driven, be it those from HR, sales, BD, content and so on. You can be a part of medical crowdfunding in India too all thanks to a platform like ImpactGuru. You could start a fundraising campaign or you could even sign up to work at a vibrant and energetic workplace. Why be just someone who is a silent bystander in this ever-changing world when you can rather be a guru?

Apply now!