On a mission of mercy to Yap

By Leslie Moriarty

Herald Writer

SNOHOMISH — Not many people know where Yap is. But Anne and John Anholm do. They’ve been there and plan to go back.

The Anholms spent a couple of weeks last fall in Yap, a tiny Pacific Island of about 12,000 people that is part of the Federated States of Micronesia and has been a U.S. protectorate since the end of World War II.

Anne Anholm, an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Everett Clinic’s Marysville office, was part of a team of doctors and nurses to travel to Yap through the Canvasback Mission in late September. They worked for two weeks to provide gynecological screening and treatment for women of the island.

Stacy Leck, communications manager for Canvasback, said many women in Yap had never had gynecological care.

"Pelvic exams are commonplace for American women," she said. "But that’s not the case for women in Yap."

Canvasback Mission Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 to serve remote Pacific Islands with health care and education. Founders Jamie and Jacque Spence created the mission and named it for their first sailing ship used to travel to the islands to give care.

John Anholm is an electrical engineer and helped do maintenance work at mission schools in Yap. It was through his parents that the couple learned of the missions.

"My father is an orthodontist and had been on missions to the islands to give dental care," Anholm said. "I love to travel, and my wife was looking for a way to help. She often donated her vacation time to do medical care for those in need."

The trip was in conjunction with the local government, which pledged to pay for the lodging and meals for the five doctors.

While in Yap, doctors saw a waiting room filled with women each day. Some received Pap smears and routine medical screenings. Others were diagnosed with high blood pressure and thyroid dysfunction. Still others had to have surgeries, including hysterectomies, because of advanced uterine cancer.

"Sadly, this could have been prevented if the women had been able to get care earlier on," Anne Anholm said.

Although there are clinics and doctors, Anholm said they aren’t like those in the United States. He said their doctors only have the experience that physician’s assistants have in this country.

When they go on the missions, they take medical supplies and try to work with the local doctors on education and training, he said.

The island is one of the most traditional, with strong adherence to local customs, he said. Women often don’t wear tops, but they always wear grass or cloth skirts.

"No top is nothing out of line," he said. "But to show legs and thighs is thought to be immodest."

The island still has its own stone currency, which is made on the island of Palau and sent by boat to Yap. Its value was based on the number of people to die in the process of trying to get it there.

"American currency is used there, too," he said. "But for traditional things like wedding dowries, the stone money is used."

The Anholms met in college. He spent much of his younger life in Oregon and traveled through Thailand, Singapore, Australia and the United States before deciding on a career in obstetrics and attending the University of Washington medical school. She originally is from Washington state.

Now in their 50s, the couple have devoted much of their spare time to helping others. A second trip to Yap is planned for next year.

"The people are very friendly," he said. "And they need and appreciate getting help of all kinds."

You can call Herald Writer Leslie Moriarty at 425-339-3436

or send e-mail to moriarty@heraldnet.com.

To learn more about the Canvasback Missions, see www.canvasback.net.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.