Ruby was born near La Ceiba in 1986. While very poor, she was able to stay in school and complete her High School education in the public school in La Ceiba. When she was around 14 years old,

she visited a new clinic called Salud Total as a patient. She recalls standing at the front of the building thinking how great it would be to be able to work somewhere like that, giving care to those in need. When she was 18 years old she met Ivan and they were later married. Ruby found work in various jobs, but the long hours prevented her from seeing her husband, and the pay was negligible. She finally decided to quit work and focus on her marriage, surviving on her husband’s $150 per month income. It was during this time that Ruby returned to Salud Total, this time as a volunteer. As she worked she learned how a clinic runs and the needs of the clinic. After a couple years of volunteer work she saw a flyer advertising a Nurse’s Aide degree. She kept the flyer and returned to Salud Total with a new idea for how we could solve our need for nursing support. Through a generous donation her education was paid for and she joined the staff at the clinic in 2007, just after having her first child, Victor. She is also now armed with a degree and is in a full time job that helps support her family while working reasonable hours that allow her to be at home with her husband and their new child. As we sat in her clean and well kept 11 by 18 foot home she talked of building a better life while being thankful for all the blessings she has received. She and Ivan have saved their money and added water and electricity to their home and are planning to build on a second room. By investing in people’s futures we generate ongoing value for generations to come. It only cost about $300 for Ruby to go to school, but she will now have a lifetime skill to use. Her hard work and commitment to helping others are inspirations and we are all proud to of her accomplishments.