Dr. (Patty) Gordon’s husband and my husband were friends before Patty and I met. When she told me about CCC, I immediately said,”I’m coming”. Several months later, I am here in Vietnam, ensconced with the CCC team.With Cyrus’ help (who speaks Vietnamese and is an excellent conversationist), I register the patients; after the screening, I record the results and if needed, dispense condoms or antibiotics. This responsibility may seem calm and clinical, but that more aptly describes the single large examination room with four tables where the doctors and nurses practice with scientific concentration. It’s on the 4th floor walk-up landing where emotions fly.First thing in the morning, there are dozens of anxious women clamoring. It’s pandemonium. Later, a steady stream of shy, nervous, or scared women climb the stairs. Patty was right – learn some Vietnamese. “Xin choo, chi!” (Hi sister!) We’re friends. (In truth, I butcher the words, but it’s okay.)The women exit from a negative screening with a broad smile. “Tot lam!” (Good!) The first time a woman exited with a positive screening and a cryo performed, I welled up. It was all I could do to not cry. Here was a life changed and who knows how many peripheral lives changed. It took about five positives before I stopped welling up and began cheering, “Chi on roi!” (Sister, you’re safe!).The first day we screened 92 patients, today we screened 347. That’s a lot of “Sisters, you’re safe”.Authored by: Melanie Miller