Shalin Shah Memorial Fund

Description

Shalin Shah’s commitment to service started long before he entered Peace Corps. Growing up in Southern California he was always looking to help people. In college, Shalin volunteered with UNICEF, serving as his chapter president during his junior and senior year. During games, he and his fellow club members would sell water bottles to raise money for the children’s fund.

Even in the earliest chapters of his Peace Corps service, Shalin’s passion and dedication won the respect of everyone around him. He was beloved by the community members he met, and deeply respected by his fellow Volunteers, even as he inspired friends and family back at home.

Shalin had nearly completed his training as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru when he became very sick. He returned shortly thereafter to the United States and was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

While undergoing grueling treatment, he remained in close contact with Peace Corps staff and his fellow Volunteers in Peru. From his room in the hospital, he would write to those facing challenges in their service, sharing messages of encouragement and support. Everywhere he went, he wore his Peace Corps hat, and that is how everyone in the hospital came to know him – “the Peace Corps Volunteer.”

Donations to the Shalin Shah Memorial Fund will support Peace Corps Partnership Program water and sanitation projects in Peru.