In celebration of Mother’s Day, our Family Segment features mother and daughter team, Paulette Labinpuno RN and Kaitlyn Martinez PTA. Paulette and Kaitlyn traveled with our team to Arusha, Tanzania this past summer and experienced volunteering together for the first time. Read more about how this mission made a lasting impact on them both.
“A recent college graduate student with an interest in healthcare, I wanted to learn and build my experience by traveling abroad and being a part of a medical mission. This being my first experience, I was very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. My time in Tanzania involved new challenges for me: being in a new environment, having responsibilities towards a new community, our own health & safety, and language barriers.
I wasn’t expecting to volunteer on this particular medical mission but my mom surprised me saying ‘You’re going on this medical mission with me to Africa.’ I was hesitant but knew I was ready.
I’m grateful my mom decided to include me in this trip. Although we worked in different areas of the hospital, I was excited to hear about her day-to-day experiences. We both met wonderful people and created these awesome friendships that could last a lifetime!
After returning home, I am super glad I was part of this whole experience. To be a member of the physical therapy team was amazing and helping patients walk after their surgeries made me so happy at the end of the day.”
Kaitlyn Martinez
Physical Therapy Assistant
“Initially, the reason I wanted to volunteer with my daughter was to guide her in her chosen career path, taking care of people who need medical help. I wanted Kaitlyn to experience hands-on in caring for patients who are less fortunate and see a part of the world where life isn’t so easy when you don’t have financial means.
I loved working with my daughter. It was an unforgettable experience to be able to make rounds together on the surgical unit, checking on our post-operative patients. The main thought I took home with me was that Kaitlyn and I share the same passion helping patients who need medical assistance. I was one PROUD momma to have worked alongside my daughter during our Tanzania medical mission and will remember this time together for the rest of my life.”
Paulette Labinpuno RN
Pre and Post Oppressive Care