Everyone has a moment in life when they are given a chance—when an act of kindness allows us to chase a dream. For me, that moment came when I received a nursing scholarship made possible by The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation. It was the opportunity to finally become an RN, a journey I started twenty years ago, but life happened.

My husband was involved in a critical motorcycle accident that brought many changes to my everyday life. I became his primary caretaker and our household’s main source of income, working multiple jobs to meet my family's basic needs. 

I no longer worry if paying for tuition will take away from a light bill, meals for our family, or something my son needs for school. I can focus on studying and my important job as an LPN/chronic kidney disease clinic coordinator at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where I have spent the last eight years treating the young patients I call “my children.”

Working at the kidney disease clinic is my chance to give back. To ensure my children’s kidney disease doesn’t progress. To educate their parents and build their knowledge and confidence. And to develop relationships with each child as they grow, encouraging them to do well in school, go on to college, and follow their dreams. My own dream is to become a community health RN and open a respite care center.

On Giving Tuesday, you can give a nurse like me a chance to realize her dream—and your generosity will go twice as far. From now through January 31, 2025, Palm Health Foundation is matching every donation to The Nursing Advancement Fund and all nursing scholarship funds, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000!

This is your chance to double your gift of kindness. When you do, nurses like me together with donors like you will make an immeasurable impact on our community.

With appreciation,

Keosha Barry