“You never get used to it, that gripping tension that wakes up every nerve in your body and clarifies your brain cells to be at your best, because you literally have two lives in your hands and every single second counts.”

These are the thoughts racing through Jill’s mind as she charges to the OB suite for an obstetrical emergency. Although Jill was never a mother herself, she rushed to the delivery room hundreds of times. Jill provided vital assistance to countless mothers and their newborns during her role as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Even though Jill is now retired, she continues to aid mothers and children as a volunteer for Curamericas Global.

About Jill

Jill was born and raised in northern New Jersey. From a young age, Jill’s mother taught her the importance of caring for others. Such nurturing experiences inspired Jill to pursue nursing.

Thirty years ago, Jill moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. She has since developed a close network of friends that she now considers her family. Recently, Jill was delighted to expand her family circle to include her cousins in Canada, whom she reconnected with after fifty years.

In addition to practicing as a CRNA, Jill also has experience in clinical research and humanitarian medical aid overseas. Jill found joy in her work saying, “I was so privileged to take care of people while they were at their most vulnerable.” She considers herself one of the “fortunate few” to have found her life’s passion through her career.

Reimagining the Outcomes

As a retired nurse anesthetist, Jill knows the potential dangers of childbirth. “To then picture a women going through childbirth on a dirt floor attended by a women with experience but with no medical tools, no medications, no formal education, no way to handle complications in mother or baby is almost beyond my imagination.”

The “high impact, community-based, research driven, healthcare” of Curamericas Global is what attracted Jill to the organization. That is why Jill describes the Casa Maternas, designed by Curamericas, as “a huge step up”. These community maternity clinics provide culturally appropriate care in an affordable and sustainable way. Casa Maternas are improving the survival and well-beings of mothers and children in Guatemala, Kenya, and other countries around the world.  As Jill says, Curamericas Global strives to give mothers and their children “a hand up rather than a hand out”.

A Helping Hand

Since retiring, Jill happily dedicates her time towards volunteering

with Curamericas Global. She enjoys being among dedicated team members with like-minded goals. The enthusiastic atmosphere of the organization keeps her inspired and optimistic.

Jill performs duties ranging from daily tasks at the office to connecting local immigrants with healthcare at the Guatemalan Consulate. Through these efforts, Jill works to positively support her Raleigh community as well as the Curamericas Global mission.

Jill also enjoys fundraising to support projects abroad. With the help of her friends and neighbors, Jill organized the collection of 500 baby outfits and almost $500! These donations helped mothers and their newborns transition from the Casa Maternas to their homes. In the future, Jill hopes to expand her involvement by joining Curamericas on one of their overseas volunteer trips.

Curamericas Global welcomes all who have a passion to serve. Learn more about opportunities to take action . Bring your talents and join the Curamericas Global team today!

Written by Victoria Hallman, Digital Marketing Intern

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