The Roatán Volunteer Pediatric Clinic lost a dear friend and dedicated supporter on April 1, 2008. Alda Elizabeth Fisher, known to Global Healing volunteers as Nurse Bethe, passed away following an acute illness. Bethe was the first island native and nurse that most of us got to know. She was the individual who answered our questions about Roatán and the intricacies of the Hospital. She is survived by her husband Oliver Winston Fisher, as well as two daughters and two sons. A tribute to Miss Bethe, in the form of an annual lectureship or a nursing school scholarship for a Roatán native, will be established in the near future.

Those who would like to participate may forward their contributions to Global Healing, 2140 Shattuck Ave, Ste 604, Berkeley, CA 94704. Please indicate that your contribution is for the Alda Elizabeth Fisher Fund.

Dr. Tanya Nauenberg fondly recalls her time with Nurse Bethe:

"Working with and getting to know Nurse Betty was one of the best things about my experience in helping to set up the pediatric clinic in Roatán, Honduras through Global Healing. In the beginning of such a project it is especially important that every involved individual rises to the challenge, and Betty was a pillar in these first few months. She truly had a giving and patient soul. Her acceptance and support of our project meant so much to me because she represented the Roatán community. I felt fortunate that she wanted to work with us--it was an honor to practice medicine with such a caring and wonderful human being.

I remember her being very matter of fact and to the point. When my parents were visiting the hospital, she once sized up my mother and handed her a very dehydrated newborn baby telling her to try to get a few drops of water into the infant to keep her alive. She was humble, but confident, and she knew how to get care for her patients.

Our lives only intersected for 3 months, but I have good memories of seeing her daughters in a parade, and having Betty and her husband over for dinner.

Betty you will continue to live on in the hearts of the many people whose lives you have touched. You will always be an inspiration to me!"