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Ebola Volunteer Details 'Incredibly Difficult' Work

Illinois State University

One of the key figures in the fight to control last year's African ebola outbreak says it was unbelievably exhausting and difficult work. Ella Stryker, a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders is speaking about her experiences during an appearance at ISU.

Stryker was one of five volunteers to be pictured on the cover of Time magazine's "Person of the Year" edition. She says, at the height of the crisis last year, she worked long hours for ten weeks straight without a day off.

Stryker spent most of her time in Guinea and Liberia. She says she drew strength from native co-workers, who often feared foreign helpers more than the disease itself. Stryker says constant fear of becoming infected actually helped her perform her duties.

Willis is a Bloomington, IL, native. During his senior year at Bloomington High School, he finished third in the "Radio Speaking" division of the state speech contest, the only year he competed.
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