Volunteer Perspective: Sylvia Estrada

Sylvia training local health care providers in VIA. Nicaragua, November 2010.

“Priceless,” is how Sylvia Estrada, a veteran Grounds for Health volunteer, explains the value of traveling to Latin America with Grounds for Health. “When a woman gets off the exam table, gives us a hug, and thanks us—that is what keeps me going back.”

And going back is what Sylvia will do in October when she travels to northern Peru for Grounds for Health’s third t­raining and screening and treatment campaign in the region.

Sylvia is a nurse practitioner and clinical program coordinator at the Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Fluent in Spanish, she is a devoted volunteer who utilizes her skills as a bilingual advanced practice nurse to provide much-needed care both close to home and thousands of miles away. In the Los Angeles area, she volunteers often to provide health education at community health fairs in the Latino community, and also provides educational support sessions about living with cancer.

Twice per year, Sylvia takes hard-earned vacation time and travels to Latin America to administer health care to those who need it most. While she also goes on trips with other organizations that provide direct services to those in need, Sylvia enjoys working with Grounds for Health because she likes being part of something ongoing. “The approach is attractive. I like engaging in-country providers, and I appreciate that we teach new techniques that the doctors and nurses can provide on an ongoing basis. Grounds for Health creates sustainable programs.”

Reviewing VIA flash cards with providers.

After her first trip 13 years ago, Sylvia was hooked, but she quickly realized that these trips would get expensive. (Volunteers must fund their own flights, lodging and most meals.) She knew that if she wanted to continue to do this work, she needed to get creative. So Sylvia decided to reach out to her family, friends and colleagues. She started by writing personal letters to her network describing the work that Grounds for Health does and the role that Sylvia plays. She offered them an opportunity to be part of the experience by contributing a donation to underwrite her expenses.

It was a success and for each trip since, Sylvia has reached out to her “faithful followers” who, through their generosity, have enabled her to cover all of her expenses. After each trip, Sylvia writes a letter to her supporters, thanking them for their support and sharing with them the successes of the trip—how many new providers were trained and how many women were screened and treated.

“They are all supportive of the work and often tell me that they would like to do something like this but lack the time due to competing obligations. But by investing in my journey, they create a connection with the women that we serve.”

We’d like to thank Sylvia for her unwavering support and expertise and for all of her “faithful followers.” You truly are making a difference!

For more information on volunteering with Grounds for Health please visit our Volunteer FAQ or contact us at info@groundsforhealth.org.

Sylvia kicking her feet up after a successful day of training. Nicaragua, September 2011.