How One Childhood Illness and Compassionate Care Sparked Sheila’s Nursing Career
For Sheila Kanana, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a promise she made as a child in a moment of desperation and hope. Her story speaks of her resilience, the power of compassion, and the far-reaching impact of healthcare in transforming lives.
As we celebrate Nurses Week 2025, we honor the countless nurses like Sheila, whose compassion and dedication truly make a difference every day.
Early Life and a Defining Moment
In the remote village of Kaanguani on Mt. Kenya’s eastern slopes, Sheila grew up facing daily struggles, with access to even basic healthcare a challenge. When she was six years old, Sheila developed a severe lower respiratory tract infection. Too weak to walk and without the means to get to the hospital, her grandmother turned to traditional remedies—but Sheila’s condition only worsened.
Then, a retired nurse from the village heard about Sheila’s illness and came to help.
“She examined me so gently, spoke so calmly, and gave medicine with such confidence,” Sheila recalls. “Within days, I began to recover. That moment changed my life.”
It was more than a recovery. It was the beginning of a calling.
“That nurse didn’t just treat my illness—she gave me hope. I knew then that I wanted to do the same for others.” — Sheila Kanana
Pursuing a Dream Against the Odds
Inspired by that early experience, Sheila pursued her education with determination. Despite facing economic hardship and limited resources, she stayed focused on her dream. Her hard work eventually earned her a place at Clive Irvine College of Nursing.
During her training, she was driven by a single purpose: to return home and serve her community. In 2022, that purpose came full circle when she joined HopeCore. Today, she provides essential medical care to people of all ages—from young children to the elderly. Sheila brings both expertise and compassion to every patient she treats.
Focusing on the Future: Making a Difference in Vision Health
Sheila plays a vital role in HopeCore’s school-based vision program, screening students for eyesight problems. She has seen how untreated eye conditions can affect a child’s ability to learn, participate, and grow.
This experience has sparked a new dream to become an ophthalmic nurse. Her goal is to bring specialized vision care to students, ensuring that no child is held back in school because of something as preventable as poor eyesight.
“Helping children see clearly is about more than just eyesight—it’s about giving them a future,” says Sheila. “I was once a child in need of care. Today, I am the nurse providing it. And tomorrow, I hope to do even more.”
We are proud to have Sheila on our team, and her story shows the ripple effect of compassion. We’re honored to have Sheila on our team—her journey is a testament to how compassion can transform lives and inspire others. One nurse’s visit years ago helped heal a sick child. Today, that child is a nurse—bringing healing, hope, and inspiration to the next generation. Listen to her story:
