Biography
Biography: Darcy Lewis
Abstract
On September 24, 2013, 21 year old nursing student Kristina Chesterman was killed by a drunk driver. Kristina had planned to begin her nursing career caring for those in Africa who lack access to medical care and treatment. In honor of her memory, and to carry out the work she was unable to complete, health care providers and nursing students came together with a clinic developer in Nigeria to build The Kristina Chesterman Memorial Clinic (KCMC). The proposed focus of the clinic was determined following a review of literature and through interviews with locals from Southeastern Nigeria. The research concurred with the anecdotal evidence and clearly demonstrated the need for diabetes care, as well as for obstetrical and pediaric medical services. Maternal-child death rates remain high in Nigeria due to inadequate training of care providers leading to ineffective problem recognition and treatment during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The high death rate in children under 5 indicates there is a need for vaccination programs and improved pediatric care. It was determined the care provided at the KCMC will focus on women, children and patients with diabetes with future goals of dental care, ophthalmology and surgical services. Ultimately, the goal of the KCMC project is threefold: to provide much needed health care for citizens of rural Nigeria, to provide student nurses with a global vision of nursing, and to provide individuals who knew
Kristina with a positive way to cope with the death of their friend and classmate.