Dr. Rossi was shocked and disturbed at what he found: hospital buildings virtually empty of any modern equipment, dispensaries devoid of supplies and sold away on the black market. He found the unsanitary conditions appalling. Thousands of children are suffering of dehydration, malnutrition and dying needlessly of malaria. Because of the rural nature of the country, most of the 14 million citizens are without access to medical care of any kind.

As doctors, they understood each other and were able to assess the ways they could collaborate and help the People of Mali and founded the Association for the Assistance and Medical Providing in Mali (AAAMM). Based in the south of France, this organization of doctors works in collaboration with doctors native to Mali in bringing and dispensing desperately needed, and heretofore unavailable, medical supplies and equipment.

Jean Tigana, world famous soccer player, French national team star and Mali native, found out about the association and joined in the effort. He brought with him major financial aid and field support, eventually becoming honorary president.

Will Lee, New York studio musician and best known as the bassist for the Late Show with David Letterman learned of AAAMM from his father-in-law, Dr. Jacques Marais, a retired eye surgeon and active member of the organization. He was immediately struck by the efficiency and selflessness of the organization and decided to form a branch organization here in America to assist AAAMM in their work. The Association For Mali’s Medical Assistance (AFMMA) has a 501 (C) (3) Public Charity Status, is modeled on its parent organization and is run in the same way: everything is donated, everyone is a volunteer and 100% of funds raised go to helping the Mali people. Again, we believe this "100% to the cause" aspect makes AFMMA unique in the often confusing world of giving.