I am currently serving at Good News Community Health Center in Portland, Oregon. Good News is located in the Rockwood neighborhood on the border of Southeast Portland and Gresham, Oregon. Rockwood is a vibrant and racially diverse community. Unfortunately, Rockwood is also one of the poorest communities in Oregon, and has been afflicted by high rates of homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, chronic health diseases, and inadequate access to quality medical care. I have been able to develop meaningful relationships with my patients built on respect, compassion, and shared faith. I have had the opportunity to pray with patients about their fears and frustrations, and celebrate their successes. Many of my patients have shared with me that they have seen God at work in the midst of their chronic disease, and wish to become more faithful stewards of their bodies. I strive to always view my patients and their circumstances as Christ would and see—cherished and loved children of God struggling with the weight the world has placed on their shoulders. I aim to meet my patients where they are, and walk alongside them to care for their bodies and souls--just as Christ has done for me.

Good News is funded through partnerships in the community. My primary motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare was caring for the underserved. I have accumulated student loan debt through my BSN and MSN programs at the University of Pennsylvania. While I applied for every scholarship I could in school and received some financial aid, I still ended up with a large amount of debt. I would not be able to afford my loan payments with my salary from Good News if it were not for MedSend's continued support. I am so grateful for the opportunity to answer God's calling by working at Good News and for MedSend's affirmation of this work.