Isabel Zendal facts for kids
Isabel Zendal Gómez (born in 1773) was a brave Spanish nurse from Galicia. She was part of a very important journey called the Balmis Expedition (1803-1806). This trip took the smallpox vaccination to millions of people in South America and Asia.
Before joining the expedition, Isabel was in charge of an orphanage in A Coruña. Her job on the journey was to look after 22 (later 26) young orphan boys. These boys were special because they carried the material needed to make the vaccine.
The three-year expedition aimed to vaccinate millions of people against smallpox. Charles IV of Spain, the king, supported the mission because his own daughter had died from the disease.
Her Name Through History
Isabel Zendal's name has been spelled in many different ways over time. Some examples include Isabel Sendales y Gómez and Isabel López Gandalia.
A street in A Coruña, Spain, was first named Calle Isabel Lopez Gandalia to honor her. In 2017, the name was changed to Calle Isabel Zendal Gómez. This new name is believed to be closer to her original name.
Why She Is Remembered
Isabel Zendal has received important recognition for her work.
In 1950, the World Health Organization (WHO) honored her. They recognized her as the first nurse in history to take part in an international health mission.
A book called Saving the World (2006) by Julia Alvarez tells a story inspired by Isabel Zendal's experiences on the expedition.
In 2018, a Spanish medicine company, CZ Veterinaria, changed its name to Zendal. They did this to honor Isabel Zendal and her important work.
The Region of Madrid in Spain also named a hospital after her. The Hospital de Emergencias Enfermera Isabel Zendal was built to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See also
In Spanish: Isabel Zendal para niños
