Dina Cayllahue Jimienez is a field-nurse who has been working with MEDLIFE for the past eight months. Read more about Dina below:

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Arequipa and moved to Lima 18 years ago.

How did you get involved with MEDLIFE?
Last year I had a patient whom I was treating almost every day. We were very close, like good friends. Around eight months ago, a former nurse from MEDLIFE saw that I was treating the patient and asked if I’d be interested in helping out the MEDLIFE team, since they were looking for new recruits. I gladly accepted. Unfortunately, that patient passed away a few months ago from breast cancer, but I still have all the memories with her in my heart.

What do you like the most about working with MEDLIFE?
I spend most of my time doing patient follow-up, so for me my favorite part is just working with the patients. I love seeing the improvements that they make with the treatment that we give them. Right now I have 15 patients and it’s great seeing how far they’ve come since when I first met them.

Can you name a patient who has had a strong impact on you?
Our patient Luis Poma has had a great impact on me. He’s a six year old boy with muscular dysplasia, so he’s unable to walk. When we gave him his wheelchair, he and his family were very happy. That wheelchair will benefit him greatly as he grows up into a young man, and it’s all thanks to our supporters. It wouldn’t be possible without them.

What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy going to the movies, listening to music, going on walks and spending time with my 12-year-old son and my sister.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to encourage everyone to continue helping others and giving back. Also be sure to take care of yourselves and do what you can to have the best health.