Last week, Adelante Mujer’s Board of Directors met. The group meets three times a year to review, discuss, and plan the organization’s activities.
Front row from left are Mary Gorske, Sr. Doris Klein, Joan Schilke, Paula Elmer, Dr. Ann Schlaefer (outgoing). Back row from left are board president Barb Senn, Sarah Endicott DNP, RN, executive director Karen Heuberger, Rita Thomas, past executive director Sr. Diane Bauknecht, Dr. Gina Everson. Absent Jane Monahan.
Nicaragua, a land of natural beauty, has a culturally diverse population, with over 400,000 inhabitants identifying themselves as members of an indigenous or ethnic community. Many of these indigenous peoples live in the Autonomous Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast. In this rural area of the country, doctors and hospitals are in short supply, with a patient to doctor ratio of approximately 9,000 to 1.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, “To eliminate health inequities for indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and members of other ethnic groups, it is essential to promote intercultural approaches. Intercultural health models such as complementary, traditional and integrative medicine (TCIM) contribute to self-determination by promoting self-care, Continue reading “The Difference You Make”
In July, we shared that our campaign to raise money for computers was a success. Our onsite coordinator in Nicaragua wrote, “The girls told me to say thanks for this great help and some of them said that they were going to say thanks personally, they are so happy and thankful.” Many of the women have written to show their gratitude for the computers, and for ongoing financial support. We would like to share some of that appreciation in their own words.
“I already received the computer and I want to thank you infinitely for the support that you and together with the Continue reading “In Their Own Words”
Throughout my 63 years as a Sister of St. Agnes, I have been blessed to work in various exciting and fulfilling ministries. Without a doubt, roles I played in Adelante Mujer these last seven-plus years were the ultimate definition of exciting and fulfilling! Working with Sister Ann McKean, CSA, PhD, the Foundress of Adelante Mujer, was never boring because her brilliant mind and daily ideas to improve the world were forever expanding. 
Interacting with more than one hundred medical students who overcome challenges beyond our comprehension was inspiring. Collaborating with numerous personnel in Nicaragua was a privilege and blessing as was working with our own office staff in Fond du Lac. Continue reading “Passing the Baton”
Thanks to so many people who responded generously to the request for donations to purchase laptops for Adelante Mujer students. During June, Adelante Mujer was able to provide much needed computers to 27 students! What a blessing. Please take a look at the smiles when Kathy Levy, the Adelante Mujer Coordinator in Bilwi, Puerto Cabezas presented the electronic treasures to medical students who will no longer be forced to study using cell phones they own or borrow.
Since the first class of Adelante Mujer students took the Hippocratic Oath on December 12, 2014, each new doctor has been presented a Littmann stethoscope as a graduation gift. We would pack them into our suitcases when we travelled to Nicaragua and observe the smiles, Continue reading “Can You Hear It Now…My Heart?”
We can proudly tell you where one of the Adelante Mujer doctors has gone and what she has accomplished. On March 26 a member of the first graduating class of Intercultural Medicine and of Adelante Mujer earned her title as Pediatrician from UNAN University in León, Nicaragua. Her letter below describes her gratitude. Each and every donor can celebrate her success which may not have been possible without your help.
Hello. I am Joice. I was part of the Adelante Mujer program almost from the beginning and with its support I was able to conclude the Intercultural Medicine career of URACCAN University. I have so much to thank for and I have so many memories of Adelante Mujer.
I still remember the day I arrived at the interview with Sister Ann McKean. I remember that Sister Ann thought I could be her interpreter because my friend Ana, who also was coming to ask for support of Adelante Mujer, told Sister Ann that I could interpret for us. That was a moment that caused us all to laugh. I do know some English but I could not be an interpreter! Continue reading “Where Have All the Doctors Gone?”
First of all, everyone receives a cordial greeting. I hope you are all in perfect health.
I am Jessica Ruiz Taylor, I am 19 years old, and I am a student of the 5th semester (year 3) of the Intercultural Medicine Career. I am originally from the City of Bilwi, Puerto Cabezas. I come from a poor but hardworking family, I have 9 siblings, I am one of the youngest. I have two excellent parents who struggle to bring us food home every day, who have instilled in me great values and that today I try to put them into practice to become in a great professional in the health area.
When Sister Ann McKean, the foundress of Adelante Mujer, became a resident of the CSA Nazareth Court assisted living facility, her most serious concern was how we would manage the business of Adelante Mujer from her very small bedroom. With providential timing, a small office was vacated just down the hall from Sister Ann’s room. That little office became ours for the next five years. We were always grateful and regarded it as a gift of God.
When Sister Ann’s residence transferred from Nazareth Court to God’s Heavenly Court and because of other circumstances, we were notified that Adelante Mujer would need to find a different office. With the help of God and, we believe, Sister Ann, another office-gift was located. It has an inner and outer office with ample storage, the furniture was donated for our use, and rent is miraculously low. Our Adelante Mujer Board of Directors believes the new office heralds an evolvement and growth of Adelante Mujer which, thanks to our generous donors, has already financially assisted 54 women who are now medical doctors and an additional 49 students in various years of medical school in Nicaragua.
We invite you to visit our new office via the photos below. Please rejoice with us in the consistent and gracious ways Adelante Mujer is blessed to continue assisting women in Nicaragua who rely on us to help them pursue a medical degree.
It all started almost three years ago when a photo of an Adelante Mujer student was sent to each person on our mailing list. The student’s first name was printed on the photo with the request for prayer for her. The responses received from several recipients were gratifying. “I have her picture on my refrigerator and pray for her often.” “I love to see her smiling face on my dresser.” “Her picture is in my prayer book so I remember to pray for her each day.” Continue reading “Bonded by a Photo and a Prayer”
