Tina Hoxie, an oncology nurse in Sedro Woolley, WA volunteered at the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal in August 2019. Tina shared her experience with us. Here is an excerpt in her own words:
“I have been an oncology nurse for over 21 years and had my first volunteer experience this past August. I travelled to Janakpur Nepal where I spent 3 1/2 days at the Binaytara Foundation Medical Center. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity for so many different reasons. Namely because it gave me the chance to come alongside the nurses and physicians there and commend what they are doing so well, and also to discuss potential areas of improvement. It is truly impressive what these nurses and physicians do with limited resources, all the while battling the cultural stigma of general mistrust of the health care community. For those patients who have received care there, they are extremely grateful and have had very positive outcomes-and this is in light of the fact that many patients in Janakpur have been to other cancer centers in Kathmandu or Delhi India to no avail. But thankfully after receiving care at the Binaytara clinic, they are actually suffering less and/or are truly getting better. It’s a wonderful thing to see! I would encourage any type of healthcare professional to consider donating your time at this facility. It’s very rewarding and a stimulating cultural experience as well . And if you do, once in Nepal, definitely have a mango lassi (or two!).” Jacob Hoxie and Mason Bakke has also traveled to Nepal to create a documentary for the cancer center.