Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Former Malcolm X Student, Killed in Nepal Earthquake, Remembered

By Mauricio Peña | April 26, 2015 3:34pm
 Marissa Eve Girawong died when an avalanche started by the earthquake struck her camp on Mount Everest.
Marissa Eve Girawong died when an avalanche started by the earthquake struck her camp on Mount Everest.
View Full Caption
Facebook

CHICAGO —  Jang Mi Johnson was shocked to hear the news that a 7.8-magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of at least 2,500 in Nepal Saturday. But the former instructor at Malcolm X College's physician's assistant program was left without words when she found out one of her former students was among the thousands who had lost their lives.

Marissa Eve Girawong, 28, of New Jersey, was working as medical provider in Nepal for Madison Mountaineering, when an avalanche started by the Nepal earthquake struck her team's camp on Mount Everest.

"I heard the news last night, and you never think that someone that you know is an imminent danger so when I heard the news that she was on the mountain, the words wouldn't come out," Johnson said. "It was a lot to take in."

Girawong attended Malcolm X College's Physician's Assistant program from 2010 to 2012. Johnson described her former student as a caring person who was passionate about the field and dedicated to medical advancement.

"She was a remarkable student," Johnson said.  "It's an intense two years with very little breaks and she never struggled. She was a supportive classmate, who was there to pick up her classmates when they struggled," Johnson said.

Johnson recognized her former student's unwavering commitment to medicine.

"She was one those students that stands out, and you just knew was going to do something to change the world. That's just how she lived her life."

"It is with deep sorrow and profound grief that we can confirm the loss of our Everest/Lhotse base camp doctor, Marisa Eve Girawong," the company posted on their website. "Eve perished in the aftermath of the avalanche that struck the base camp area following the devastating Nepal earthquake earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eve and her family and friends."

According to the company's website, Girawong was working as a physician's assistant in a Level 1 Emergency Room, with a focus and wilderness and medicine.

In 2012, she completed her medical training at John H. Stroger Hospital, graduating with honors for Master of Medical Sciences and Physician Assistant studies

On Sunday, Johnson was trying to process the tragedy. "It's heartbreaking," Johnson said. "She had so much to give, and it's heartbreaking to know she won't be able to keep giving."

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: