Mission Trip 2025 Next Steps: Diaper Drive for Babies of La Ciénaga
As described in the Medical Mission Panel Discussion, September 25, 2025, the project below is a fine example of how participating in the HLTHS 1800 Global Healthcare Initiatives: Dominican Republic medical mission course has inspired and motivated attendees to continue their contributions and global health efforts. It is yet another COD "story" that truly demonstrates "Making a World of Difference."
Hi, my name is Julianna.
This past August (2025), I had the privilege of traveling with my school on a missionary trip to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, where we served the people of La Ciénaga. It was a truly life-changing experience that opened my eyes to the realities of global health disparities.
During our time there, I witnessed just how many families had been waiting for our arrival to receive medical care—care that most of us in the U.S. can access without a second thought. I knew going into this trip that the community would have fewer resources than we are blessed with here at home, but experiencing it firsthand left me with feelings I can’t fully describe—grateful, heartbroken, and determined to do more.
One moment in particular has stayed with me. While serving families in La Ciénaga, I saw that many children were reusing disposable diapers. Mothers would rinse them in contaminated water—often filled with parasites—and then put them back on their babies. The diapers were falling apart, stuffing exposed, and many children were coming to the clinic with severe rashes and infections unlike what we typically see in the U.S. Witnessing this broke my heart.
That experience is why I’ve created this GoFundMe. My goal is to raise funds to support a diaper drive for families in La Ciénaga, in partnership with Oasis Church in Santo Domingo and Global Health Outreach, the mission organization I traveled with. The funds will go directly toward providing clean diapers, as well as education for mothers and families about the risks of reusing diapers and the importance of infection prevention.
I want to make a positive impact in these families’ lives, even though I am far away. If I could, I would go back and give everyone one more hug. My heart longs to serve and to show love to these people forever. Even from here at home, I want to continue making a difference, because they have forever made a difference in me. They changed my perception of the world and of healthcare, and I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.
With the partnership of my school’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) program, we will also be sharing updates and photos of the families receiving these donations. This way, you’ll be able to see the direct impact your generosity is making in their lives.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in the lives of these children and families. I am deeply grateful for your support in helping bring dignity, health, and hope to a community that has given me so much perspective and purpose.
