My Father’s Gift

“Sixtus’s father had only one request of Sixtus—‘give back.’ And give

back he did.” —Edward C. Benzel, MD, emeritus chairman of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic

Born into a poor West African family in the disease-stricken town of

Fontem, John N. Atabong embarked into the unknown in search of

hope. He was eleven, but he triumphed against all odds to give his children

the best care and education available. Eventually, he sacrificed his

most valuable possession, his son Sixtus, sending him to study in the

United States with nothing more than lessons learned from his days

working the farms and his father’s basic biblical teachings. Sixtus

Atabong’s journey of temptations and challenges in the US gives rise

to a mission: to give back. He uses his gift to extend God’s

healing hands and unfailing love to the far corners of the earth

through sustainable health care infrastructures. Fulfilling his

father’s dream, Sixtus hopes that he too can leave the world a

better place than he found it.

Sixtus Z. Atabong, PA-C, President and Founder of Purpose Medical Mission

(PMM) is a neurosurgery Physician Assistant. PMM is a nonprofit

organization focusing on developing sustainable healthcare

infrastructure and services in developing countries. It has helped

build clinics and hospitals in Cameroon, The Democratic Republic of

Congo, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Sixtus believes in empowering

communities with the knowledge and tools to address the global threat

of health disparity and lack of basic education.

Sixtus is the recipient of numerous local and national awards for his

leadership and humanitarian work, including the Texas Tech University

Health Sciences Center Hall of Fame Award and the American Red Cross

Humanitarian of Year Award. In 2013, he was awarded the PA Service to

the Underserved Award by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Sixtus was born and raised in a small farming village in Muyuka

Sub-division, Cameroon, West Africa. He migrated to the United States

in 1995 where he faced many challenges, but eventually obtained a

Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and a

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. He uses his life

experiences and voice to motivate individuals on attaining their

God-given purpose. He speaks on issues such as, living a purposeful

life, realizing your American dream, financial independence, and

racial relations.

Sixtus’ goals in life have been achieved through faith and

self-determination. He enjoys traveling the world with his family and

learning about different cultures. He lives in Lubbock, Texas, with

his wife, Kyu Mee, and their two sons.

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