Two hundred runners and walkers supporting a local, international humanitarian effort in Nevada City Saturday morning. Dr. Scott Kellerman, wife, Carol, and The Kellerman Foundation hosted the 4th Annual Batwa Challenge 5 and 10 K Run and Walk to raise funds and awareness for the work they are doing in Uganda. The Kellerman’s first visited Uganda in 2000 and discovered deplorable living conditions for an indigenous people that had been displaced from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to protect the mountain gorilla population. KNCO’s Paul Haas was with Dr. Kellerman as he addressed the runners before the start of the Batwa Challenge.

Click here to listen to Dr. Scott Kellerman

Medical conditions were primitive at best.

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From 2001-2009 the Kellerman’s decided to live in Uganda full time to support the pygmies . During that time they enlisted the support of Nevada County residents and founded the Kellerman Foundation to further their cause. As a result there has been a tremendous improvement to the quality of life of the Batwa.

Click here to listen to Dr. Scott Kellerman

Access to fresh water has always been a challenge. Women pygmies carry water for their family daily.

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Kellerman adds the terrain is not very flat in the forest.

Locally, Rotary International has funded water treatment projects that are improving health conditions.

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And the most important result of the work the Kellerman’s and Nevada County are doing.

Click here to listen to Dr. Scott Kellerman

Since its inception, over 100 Nevada County residents have volunteered with the Kellerman Foundation spending time working in Uganda.