Ep. 118: A CRNA’s Light In the Darkness featuring Steve James, CRNA

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Written By Guest User

Losing anyone close to you is heart-breaking but getting news of your teenage daughter passing away is enough to crush any parent. It takes a truly special individual to rise from that and use that experience as a positive.

But that’s what Steve James, CRNA, has done. His daughter, Brittney, started sponsoring a young Kenyan boy named Newton in 1998 and dreamed of visiting him one day. Tragedy struck in 2001 when she was found dead in her apartment, and it led Steve to make the trip to Africa to honor his daughter. Seeing the need first-hand, Steve returned home with the mission to continue providing care to the people of Kenya. Thus, KenyaRelief.org was born.

Today we talk with Steve about this incredible journey through life and learn all about the impact he’s making through this organization. Even with so many CRNAs already involved, we hope to bring more attention to this great group of people in case you want to contribute in some way.

So as you get started, keep an ear out for these topics:

  • His daughter’s passing and how it led to this mission

  • The first trip to Kenya

  • How this experience opened his eyes to how blessed he was.

  • The many ways in which they help Kenyans with this organization.

  • The impact that COVID has had on Kenyans and the ability to provide care

  • What CRNAs can do to help this organization and Kenyans

Check it out in the interview at the top of the page and use the timestamps to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.

[2:23] – The day his life changed   

[6:12] – The first trip to Kenya

[8:00] – How this has changed him

[9:45] – Starting Kenya Relief

[11:52] – How many people have they impacted   

[13:24] – Getting involved with this organization

[17:13] – Surgeons in Kenya

[19:45] – Progress being made in Kenya

[21:05] – Impact of COVID

[25:20] – Expired drugs

[27:53] – One thing that’s changed for the better in Steve’s life

[31:39] – How can CRNAs help

[35:09] – Lightning Round

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