Only On 9: Malibu Doctor Goes To Africa To Help Combat Ebola Virus

MALIBU (CBSLA.com) — Earlier this month, a Malibu doctor  left the comforts of home to travel to Africa to help combat the spreading and deadly Ebola virus.

Suzanne Donovan is in Sierra Leone, considered by the World Health Organization to be one of the most dangerous places in the world.

KCAL9's Peter Daut on Thursday spoke to the doctor's two teen children and asked about their mom's sacrifice.

It's a story that is Only On 9.

"People are worried that she could get infected; it's crazy," says 15-year-old daughter Gabby Watkin, who acknowledges she shares a tiny amount of that concern.

Donovan has been in Sierra Leone about three weeks, and her kids couldn't be prouder of the work she is doing.

"She's always made a difference in people's lives, always wanted to make a positive impact and help people," says 17-year-old Max Watkin.

Donovan is a professor of the treatment of infectious diseases at UCLA. She's part of a team trying to control the epidemic.

Daut says an estimated 2,600 have died since December with 5,000 more cases reported across the continent.

A number of healthcare workers have also contracted the disease.

"Of course, since she's my mom I'm worried, but i know that she's making a difference, which is important," Gabby said.

The mission has not been without physical challenges as well. Thursday, she emailed KCAL9 to say the hospital lost power and that she would be unable to talk via Skype or video chat.

Her kids say they get to speak to their mom every few says and continue to be inspired by her determination to help those who need it most.

"When you know that things are going on and you can help and can make a difference, then my mom would definitely be the person to step up and say 'I can help,' " said Gabby.

Donovan plans to return next week.