Displaying items by tag: Medical Matters

by Jonathan Clemens, ThM, PA-C

We should all be familiar with the parable of the sower. It appears in all three synoptic Gospels in substantially the same form. Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8 all have the same soils in the same order. It’s often mistaught in churches, so much so that most people think it is a parable about how to be good soil. That is a culturally nonsensical interpretation: farmers didn’t change soil in the 1^st century, they made do with what was there.

As modern Americans, we look on the parable of the sower through the lens of modern scientific agriculture that reshapes the earth to conform to our farming methods, and a lens of discipleship that makes spiritual growth substantially our personal responsibility. The sower does nothing modern: he simply scatters seed, without any attempt to control where it lands. Our modern efficiency cringes to think that seed actually landed on the packed earth of a walking path: after all, couldn’t the yield per seed be increased by focusing only on the good soil?

And that is Jesus’s actual point: rather than attempting to control the casting of the seed — the Word — we are to treat it as a limitless resource, spreading it far and wide, because the less-than-universal occasions when it sinks deeply into good soil are worth every single failed evangelism effort. Every single brief conversion and quick relapse, every single heart harder than the path, every single entangled “it’s complicated” life: all the failures are eclipsed by the joy of all-too-rare abundant success.

Let's relate this to abortion pill reversal. As a prescribing practitioner, I talk to or text with any number of women, dozens so far. The parallel to the soils is frustrating. Some do not have rides to a pharmacy. Others request a prescription and change their minds. Others have neither insurance coverage nor money to pay for the progesterone. One had a rare medical condition that might have been exacerbated by progesterone, and so she politely declined to proceed. If you’re keeping score, the 64 to 68% success rate seems great, but in reality, there are plenty of things that keep women from accessing abortion pill reversal even when they have taken the initiative to call the hotline.

In speaking with another Abortion Pill Rescue Network prescriber in my state, he lamented that so few women actually picked up the prescriptions he called in. He has a point: many women desire reversal but do not follow through. They have their own tragedies to deal with, and I wish each of them had the support and access and resources to never feel the need to abort their unborn child in the first place.

So we scatter seeds. Nurses answer the phone, knowing that many of the moms who call will not proceed with reversal. I talk to the moms sent to me, again knowing that many will not follow through. Even with timely progesterone, sometimes it doesn’t work. Had it been too long since the poisoning of the abortion pill? Was the baby too young? We hypothesize factors leading to successful reversal, but certainty eludes us.

Likewise, we don’t know the impact of the lives saved; by the time these children who lived have their impact on the world, many of us will have long since retired or died. What we do know is that every life is valuable because all are made in the image of God.

He who knit each of us together inside our mothers’ wombs is faithful and true. He does not tire, nor should we who offer life to the unborn and a second chance at choice to their mothers.

And so, we continue to scatter seeds praying that the next lands in good soil, giving us a chance to help a new life thrive.

Amanda C., RN

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in metro Detroit, Michigan, and went to nursing school at the University of Detroit Mercy. I recently graduated from nurse practitioner school at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.

Share with us about your family.

In addition to my parents, I am blessed with 3 siblings: a younger sister, younger brother, and older sister (4 siblings if you count my older sister’s husband!). I have extended family in metro Detroit as well as in Toronto, Macau, and Vancouver.

Tell us about what brought you to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement.

After watching the movie Unplanned in January 2020, I was amazed at how many tangible, practical ways there are to help and support women facing unexpected pregnancies. Since the movie portrayed 40 Days for Life and sidewalk advocacy as a positive and effective way to minister to abortion-minded women, after learning more about 40 Days for Life and Sidewalk Advocates for Life, I was inspired to go out and pray in front of a Planned Parenthood facility in my area. There, I got to meet a wonderful local community of faithful 40 Days for Life and Sidewalk Advocates for Life volunteers. Even though I have always been pro-life, praying outside of Planned Parenthood was the first time I actively got involved in the pro-life movement.

What brought you to Heartbeat International?

One day while praying on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, I noticed one of our pro-life signs had a website on it. I went home that night and looked it up. I saw the many organizations that our community was partnered with, and near the bottom, I saw Abortion Pill Reversal. Since I had never heard of that before, I looked it up and found their website and started learning about the reversal process. I read some success stories and some of them mentioned talking to a hotline nurse about reversal. Something inside me sparked and I thought to myself, “I want to do that.” I found Heartbeat International’s contact information on the website and sent an email asking how I could get involved. When I heard that they were looking to grow their nurse hotline team, I jumped at the opportunity to join.

Tell us about your experiences helping women on the Rescue Helpline.

It’s exciting, challenging, and rewarding all at the same time. I truly appreciate the unique opportunity I have to help and serve the women who call our hotline seeking reversal treatment. Being able to be there for them in moments of desperation and provide them with real help and hope and a chance to save their babies has been one of the greatest honors I’ve had as a nurse. While not every case is a success story, the women who call us are so appreciative and grateful for the help that our nurse hotline team provides, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.

What has surprised you the most about the Rescue Helpline?

When I first started on the hotline, I didn’t expect a lot of the challenges that I eventually realized come with being a hotline nurse. Some of the women who call our hotline and are initially interested in reversal end up backing out after we get off the phone with them and choose to follow through with the abortion. At times some unfortunately miscarry before getting the chance to start the progesterone or shortly after they have started it. This is always heartbreaking. It was (and still is) a learning process of how to cope and manage my emotions effectively in response to the difficult situations that arise while working on the hotline.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

There are so many things I enjoy about being a hotline nurse. In addition to being able to love and care for women in such a tender and tumultuous time in their lives, one of my favorite things is hearing the success stories from the women I was able to help start reversal and seeing pictures of their babies that were saved through the reversal treatment. It’s always such a sweet reminder of how special our work is. Every successful reversal means another precious life is saved and another mother is beyond grateful for the opportunity to have her child in the world.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I enjoy running, playing volleyball with friends, doing puzzles, knitting, and watching movies and TV shows with my family. I also like baking, traveling, and serving at church in the worship music ministry and as a youth leader for the high school students.

What else would you like to share?

Some encouragement from Scripture for all of us in the pregnancy help movement:

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” -2 Thessalonians 3:13

With chemical abortion being the primary form of abortion today, it is important that women are aware that choices are available to them even after taking the first abortion pill. No one should ever feel that they must complete a medical process they no longer desire or consent to. However, some may not know how to get the help they need. 

For anyone in need of reversal assistance, our team is available to help 24/7 by phone, chat and email.

Effective advertising means to reach the masses through social media. However, it’s important to be sensitive to any restrictions. For example,  avoid any language that gives the appearance of selling medication. The more hopeful and uplifting the better. And, sadly, try to avoid the words “abortion pill” whenever possible when purchasing an ad.

Here are some places pregnancy help organizations have recently advertised Abortion Pill Reversal^TM in their communities:

• Geofencing (Extend Web Services can help with this!)
• Share on social media via posts or paid ads
• Place a sign in your lobby/waiting room area
• Pass out flyers at events to spread awareness
• Park benches near abortion clinics
• Billboards (see Heartbeat’s design recommendations)
• Newspaper advertising and editorial commentary
• Yard signs
• Bathroom ads (restaurants and other public locations)

If you don’t already have an Abortion Pill Reversal^TM page on your website, consider adding one as it increases your chance of appearing high in organic search results for searches related to the abortion pill.

We ask that you include our website (abortionpillreversal.com) and number (877.558.0333) in advertising so the women know where to immediately reach out anytime, day or night. Our medical staff is experienced in answering questions and explaining reversal. They assess health concerns that might require immediate medical attention and quickly connect women with an Abortion Pill Rescue^® Network provider and to your center for support as quickly as possible. To join the Abortion Pill Rescue Network as a provider or consulting center, click here!

Lorie Cox, RN

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I was born in Chicago and lived there until the age of four when my parents moved back to their home state of Iowa. I was raised in Northwood, Iowa until age 14. I went to high school in New Caney, Texas. I have lived in east Texas (Tyler/Longview area) since 1979. I went to Kilgore College and graduated from Nursing school when my daughter graduated from kindergarten in 1991.

Share with us about your family.

I have been married for 37 years to my best friend, David. We have two daughters ages 37 and 35 years old. We are also blessed with a son we adopted when he was 3 years old. He is now 27 years old and has overcome many life challenges with special needs. He is a true miracle baby born at 27 weeks gestation weighing barely 3 pounds. Through many years of therapy (PT/OT/ST) he did learn to walk and talk, surprising the doctors who said he probably never would. If this was where God’s blessings ended, I would be undeserving of even that and content.  Yet, He gave us the joy of four grandchildren ages 6, 2 1⁄2 & 2 years (and one on the way - due in February).

Tell us about what brought you to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement.

I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t pro-life but my level of active involvement started growing about 25 years ago. When I was at my lowest God put people in my path to comfort, guide, teach and intercede for me. To even count those people is difficult, for I would certainly forget someone. All I could attempt to do is pay it forward somehow. He has put in my heart the desire to similarly help families through the church and community. I took a leap of faith in my career from working at the hospital on the cardiac floor to becoming a case manager doing home visits to expectant mothers in crisis (primarily teens or first-time moms). Having had an unplanned pregnancy myself 37 years ago, I felt compelled to show these women that God created them with and for a purpose. That purpose began before they were born. If God could take my messy choices and make me new, He can do it for anyone.

What brought you to Heartbeat International?

It’s a God thing. Several years ago, I received a call from a social worker at a pregnancy resource center who asked if I could come teach their clients. I did not realize at the time that she was in the very baby steps of getting this center off the ground. She mentioned Heartbeat International, and I researched it from there. After a couple of years, the center had really grown, and the new director asked me to come again to provide prenatal classes to clients. I ended up volunteering for approximately three years as the nurse educator. Since they had an affiliation with Heartbeat at the time, I was able to see The Love Approach material and my heart said “Yes! this is what I should be doing.” Eventually, God helped me rearrange my schedule to apply to work the Rescue Helpline.

Tell us about your experiences helping women on the Rescue Helpline.

For me, working a shift can have emotional ups and downs with tugs at the heart. Even though there are certain clients, or situations that are memorable, each woman who contacts the Abortion Pill Rescue^® Network is at that moment “the most vulnerable, yet most courageous woman on earth.” You never know what situation she is in. The word “regret” is expressed by many women desperately looking for hope at this time. Listening to their stories is humbling to say the least. There are some who decide to complete their abortion which makes my heart ache. They are given resources for help and support they will need in the days ahead. Most callers are usually grateful to have someone who listened without judgement and offered help.

What has surprised you the most about the Rescue Helpline?

I was surprised at how many people call the hotline. I didn’t really have an idea of the numbers until I started working in this role. Heartbeat reaches so many families. I think of how many more women are out there who don’t know that they can try reversal. Even friends in my personal circle who have been active in the pro-life movement were unaware that there was such a thing as reversal. My prayer is that even more women find us. It is a goal of mine to tell as many people as I can so they can take part in this mission to save babies. The times we live in have proven that abortion pill reversal is needed now more than ever.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Witnessing miracles. And I don’t just mean the miracle of birth, which is a blessing in itself, but the actual creation of this miracle coming about. Life is created in such a beautiful way that there is no possibility a human could take any credit for it at all. It is God bringing all the pieces together despite our imperfections and weaknesses. I cannot say I understand how each woman is connected with a provider from all over the world, but I can say that it happens. From the woman calling the rescue helpline, to her deciding to move forward with reversal, to the amazing APRN providers who are available to assist the client, and to the client getting an ultrasound and the prescription she needs. The process in its entirety occurs in a specific time frame. What I do enjoy most is seeing when it all comes together to bring a mom the hope she was looking for.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Most of my spare time is spent spoiling my grandchildren. We have some property with a pond to take them fishing and camping. I also love family nights playing board games. My personal time is filled with listening to audiobooks while doing my housework or working in my garden (my new hobby this year-salsa garden). I love to read and listen to Christian theology by classic pastors and authors.

What else would you like to share?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Susan Keeny, RN

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, a small town in south central PA.  I received my LPN from Hanover Hospital, Hanover, PA and my RN from South Baltimore General Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

Share with us about your family.

My husband and I have been married 38 years and have four grown children, Jason, Amy, Lisa, and Daniel. We are empty nesters with 13 grandchildren which I love spending time with.

Tell us about what brought you to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement.

I have always been pro-life, but my journey to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement began for purely selfish reasons. I was in a deep depression and one of the ways to help with depression is to help someone else. My church supported a local pregnancy center, so I started volunteering as a client advocate. When the pregnancy center realized I was a nurse, I was asked to train as a nurse sonographer, which I gladly did. Through the work in the pregnancy center, I saw how my own painful life experience of sexual abuse and depression gave me a compassion for the women I was seeing in the Center. Helping women, especially women with unplanned pregnancies, has become my passion.

What brought you to Heartbeat International?

It was through working in the pregnancy center that I became aware of abortion pill reversal. At that time, Dr. Delgado was still running the hotline. I started reading the studies and the testimonies and realized how life changing this work could be. I started advocating to get the Abortion Pill Reversal^TM treatment into our Pregnancy Center which did eventually happen. When I saw the Abortion Pill Rescue^® Network was looking for nurses to work on the hotline, I initially didn’t think I had time. But my thoughts kept coming back to the Abortion Pill Rescue Network. God has shown me I have time to do his work.

Tell us about your experiences helping women on the Rescue Helpline.

I am humbled by the women we help on the hotline. Desperation often leads them to an abortion clinic in the first place. Then desperation to save their baby leads them to call us. We can offer these women a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or an encouraging word to give them hope.

What has surprised you the most about the Rescue Helpline?

Even though each woman has their own circumstances that led them to start a chemical abortion, they all have a sense that something isn’t right about ending the life of their baby. I shouldn’t be surprised at this, after all God has called us to this, but the nurses and providers are so adamant/compassionate about helping these women. We weep with those that weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy working with a faith-based organization that is drawn together for the common cause of helping women. Whether the help is in listening to them, connecting them with a provider, offering pregnancy help resources, or in the case of loss, providing them with resources to help with the grief process, we offer hope to these women.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love to spend time with my family and friends, taking my camera for a walk, doing word games, and reading good books (usually mysteries or historical fiction).

What else would you like to share?

God doesn’t waste our personal pain. No one likes going through trials, but it is in the trials that our faith grows. How we respond to the trials is what makes us who we are.

by Christa Brown, BSN, RN, LAS

A pregnancy decision can be one of the most challenging moments of a person’s life. The pressures weighing on the hearts and minds of those choosing between carrying their babies to term or terminating their pregnancies can be overwhelming. The promise of an easy fix is enticing. And there are often time, relational, and financial pressures that move the choice forward quickly. It's important that women contemplating a pregnancy choice are provided all the information needed to make the best decision possible. But sometimes even after a well-thought-out decision, there is regret. And sometimes that regret sets in right away.

Chemical abortion now accounts for more than half of all abortions in the United States. Big Abortion, media and the manufacturer of chemical abortion have worked to create the illusion of a quick and easy solution to an unexpected pregnancy - an abortion in the privacy of your own home. But chemical abortion does not create a solution - it destroys. It destroys motherhood for the woman and the life of an unborn child created by God.

Often when women are considering abortion, they waver in their decisions. There is tremendous pressure and stress. One answer can seem right for a time and a short while later that answer changes. The abortion industry monopolizes on this indecision and plays on the fears of these women.

Now easily accessible, abortion pills can be obtained at abortion facilities, through telehealth, or through online orders. They are available on more than 70 websites without verification of pregnancy or ultrasound.

The first drug in a chemical abortion is called mifepristone (RU-486, Mifeprex). As this drug was developed decades ago, it was determined that it’s primary mechanism of action is to lower progesterone, an essential hormone in pregnancy, to unsafe levels. It was also determined in this initial research that the effect could be reversed.

Because progesterone levels suddenly drop after the consumption of mifepristone, the body no longer thinks it is pregnant. The lining of the uterus no longer grows for the developing baby to have a place to implant and thrive. The placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrients, starts to break down. The cervix starts to open. Immediately, the pregnancy is at risk.

The second chemical is consumed 24-48 hours later at home as she “self-manages” her abortion. This interim time can be very stressful as the woman contemplates if she’s made the right decision to end the pregnancy.

Thankfully, if she has doubt, there is a place to go for help. There is a proven antidote that can reverse the effects of the drug mifepristone and support the woman in continuing her pregnancy. For thousands of women throughout the world in the last ten years, this antidote (called Abortion Pill Reversal^TM) has literally been a lifesaver.

When a woman has regret about her decision to abort, she has the option to receive emergency supplemental progesterone to counteract the effects of this abortion drug. Information and assistance are available 24 hours a day for those who would like to continue their pregnancies after starting a chemical abortion.

Abortion Pill Reversal is safe for moms and safe for babies. Oral progesterone (Prometrium) is shown to be effective 68% of the time to continue the pregnancy. Initial studies do not show any increased risk of birth defects in children born after successful reversal.

The process of reversing mifepristone is a simple, safe, and effective treatment that’s been used in obstetrical medicine since the 1950s. Prometrium is the same FDA approved drug used to maintain a pregnancy after in vitro fertilization, to hinder recurrent miscarriage, and to halt preterm labor.

The Abortion Pill Rescue^® Network sees the results of reversal - healthy babies born to thankful moms. Despite what you might have heard from pro-abortion media, there is nothing controversial about this effective medical process to continue a healthy pregnancy. Lives are being saved and motherhood restored every single day.

No one should be forced to complete a medical process they no longer want or consent to. Women deserve the option of making a different choice even after taking the first abortion drug and the help and support needed to do so.

Every woman should know about Abortion Pill Reversal, so she has hope if she has regret and wants to continue her pregnancy. Women deserve to know the truth: they don’t give up that right when they seek an abortion.

If you or someone you know is having regret after taking an abortion drug, go to AbortionPillReversal.com. If you would like to get involved and are a healthcare professional or work at a pregnancy help organization, go to APRNWorldwide.com.

Kelly McCallister, RN

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Minden, a small town about 30 miles east of Shreveport, Louisiana. I studied nursing at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana.

Share with us about your family.

My husband and I have been married for 20 years and have 5 children: Michael, Matthew, Katie, Shelby, and Caleb. Our kids are growing up and we now have only 2 at home!

Tell us about what brought you to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement.

My journey to pregnancy help and the pro-life movement began many years ago with my own unplanned pregnancy. I remember feeling scared, overwhelmed, and the strong desire not to become just another statistic. Interestingly enough, months before my own unplanned pregnancy, I learned about abortion through the experience of a friend's family member. She went to the clinic in Shreveport and they "took care of it."  She would be off work for a couple of days, but then could go on about her life. It sounded so easy and simple! When I confessed my pregnancy to my mother, thankfully, she knew differently. She explained to me that a life was already growing inside of me and what had been done, well, was done. She became my shield and my refuge during that time. Being a teen mother had so many trials! There was so much to learn and there were so many sacrifices to be made. Looking back now, I would not trade the momentary affliction of those sacrifices for the heavy life-long burden of regret that I would carry had I had an abortion. My son became my inspiration and my motivation! My mother passed away a little over a year after my son was born, making him the only grandchild that she ever met. It was my son that kept me from giving up on life after she passed away. I made some of the best decisions of my life, not despite him, but because of him! Knowing that I had to support him, I went on to nursing school after graduation.  When I met my husband, he loved us both, and showing us the love of the Father, adopted my son as his own. In 2010, a friend from church that knew my story asked me if I would be interested in working at a local pregnancy center. Of course, I was humbled and amazed at how the Lord took all of my ashes and created something so beautiful! I would have a chance to be that shield and refuge for others that my mother was for me all those years ago. When my son was born, I was told that God must have a special purpose for him. He did and still does, as He does for each and every life He creates! My baby is now 24 years old, and I can solemnly say that I have never regretted a single day of his life.

What brought you to Heartbeat International?

While working at my pregnancy center, I read an email that was seeking nurses to serve on the Abortion Pill Reversal^TM Helpline. I had previously been intrigued by the research done regarding reversal and even remember reading an article about the personal experience of a mother that had successfully reversed her chemical abortion. There was no hesitation on my part, I knew without a doubt that the Lord was calling me to serve on the hotline!

Tell us about your experiences helping women on the Rescue Helpline.

I am brought to tears even as I write this, moved by the courage the ladies that call the hotline have. In some cases, it is minutes after she has begun the chemical abortion. These mothers are willing to admit what they have done and reach out for help. Most of them are still unsure that anything can be done, but they are willing to try! It is a decision filled with questions, uncertainty, and a deep, often-times very secretive, internal struggle. I have found that what they need is compassion, a listening ear, and a voice of hope. Women from all over the world express desperation to save their babies, this feeling is a universal one that transcends geography and even language barriers.

What has surprised you the most about the Rescue Helpline?

I am uncertain why we are surprised by the Lord's work, but I can't help but stand in awe at what He is building through Abortion Pill Reversal. A network of nurses, providers, believers, mothers and even survivors! The vastness of it can only be attributed to the Lord. What a beautiful tapestry of testimonies He is creating.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I believe the most enjoyable thing about my work is simply that it is a calling. I find great joy in serving in the roles the Lord has given me. Kingdom work far outweighs the riches this world can offer! I am humbled and amazed still every day that such a task is entrusted to us as His children.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Quality time is my love language, so spending time with my family and friends fills my cup! Speaking of cups, mine usually has hot coffee in it. :)  I also love to read and enjoy singing!

What else would you like to share?

A wise friend once told me that the Lord doesn’t waste a thing. I have found this to be quite true. He has taken my personal and professional experiences, knit them together, and positioned me in such a way to serve others. He did it for me, so I know He can and will do this for you as well!

I believe that with the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade in our nation, we will see an increase in clients that begin a chemical abortion. I also know that those who regret that decision and change their minds will have a whole network of compassionate helpers waiting to serve them!

Elizabeth Whitely BSN, RN

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in the farm country of Northeast, Ohio. I received my BSN from Franciscan University of Steubenville!

Share with us about your family.

I was raised in a beautiful, faith-filled Catholic family and am very close to my parents, brothers and sister. My husband, Justin and I will celebrate our first anniversary next month! We are so blessed by the love and support of both our families.

Tell us about what brought you to Heartbeat International.

I had worked as an inpatient pediatric nurse for four years and was looking for new opportunities. I heard about Heartbeat International and the Nurse Advocate position through my friend, Teresa Tholany. Having grown up in the pro-life movement, the cause of life has always been near to my heart! I could never have imagined working as a nurse for Life in such a direct and powerful way! As the doors kept opening, it became quickly apparent that this was where the Lord wanted me to be. My time at Heartbeat has been a joy and blessing!

Tell us about your experiences helping women on the APR Hotline.

Humbling is the best way I can describe it. Hearing the voices and stories of women seeking a second chance and fighting for the life of their child is truly an honor! The courage and strength of the women we serve never ceases to inspire me! It has given me a deep awareness that the choice to have an abortion is born out of very difficult, complicated and deeply personal circumstances. When a woman calls the hotline the circumstances of her life have not changed, but her heart has! I am grateful for the opportunity to witness her courage, offer hope and let her know she is not alone!

What has surprised you the most about the APR Hotline?

I was surprised by the roller-coaster ride that is APR! There are the beautiful high moments of finally being able to find a provider or seeing a text from a client stating that she delivered her healthy baby. Then there are the low moments when a client decides to continue the abortion or experiences a loss. Often these experiences are woven together as you offer words of support and sympathy to the client who lost her baby and then turn to congratulate the other client on the birth of her child.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

One of my favorite bible verses is Revelation 21:5 “Behold, I make all things new.” The best part of my work is seeing the countless ways the Lord brings newness into every situation! Whether it is the client with a successful reversal, an insincere caller or the client who experiences a loss, the Lord uses APR to not only save lives, but also to change hearts. Even the most difficult situations are an opportunity to speak the truth and share the love of Christ with our clients. We may not be able to save every baby, but each call is an opportunity to offer new life to the women we serve!

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, building a small homestead with my husband, reading good books (especially Tolkien and C.S. Lewis), baking sourdough bread and pretty much anything outside in the fresh air and sunshine!

What else would you like to share?

I would like to say thank you to all our wonderful APR providers! Your availability, skill and care for our clients never goes unnoticed. I have been inspired by the sacrifices you make, and the mountains you move to care for these women and their precious babies! May God Bless you!!

This month we are highlighting Bryan Williams, one of our Ultrasound Consultants. Bryan brings wisdom, humor, and encouragement to our team. As he teaches medical professionals in the pregnancy help setting, they benefit greatly as they gain knowledge and inspiration. Bryan has a desire to help others learn the skill of imaging life so they can in turn show life to those they encounter in their pregnancy help center.

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Mtn Grove MO. A small town near Springfield, MO. I went to a hospital based x-ray and ultrasound school at CoxHealth in Springfield, MO. I completed my business degree from Evangel University. I completed my MHA at Webster University in St. Louis, MO.

Share with us about your family.

I have been married to my wife Lindsay for 18 years. We have two daughters. Addy is 12, and Izzy is 6.

Tell us about what brought you to Heartbeat International.

I was brought to HB because of my desire to train. The story is long, but I met Cindi Boston at the center in Springfield, MO when I volunteered and trained nurses there. She offered our names up when HB began to think about starting their own training.

What do you enjoy most about your role as Ultrasound Consultant for Heartbeat International?

I get so much joy when I get to teach at trainings. My cup gets filled at each training event. This literally gives me the energy I need to go back to my other job at the hospital with joy and renewed efforts.

What do you love most about ultrasound?

The ability to see life and make an impact in people’s lives.

Tell us about sharing your love of ultrasound with new nurses in the pregnancy help setting.

OB is not something that I really wanted to do. It is something that God pushed me to do. I really enjoy the ability to train others so they can be equipped to do the work God has called them to do.

Where else do you work and what is your role in that setting?

I work at CoxHealth in Springfield MO. I’m the Administrative Director of Neuro and Cardiovascular Services.

What are your favorite things to do?

Spend time with my family, fish, and run.

What else would you like to share?

I’m extremely humbled by the people who do this job every day. I get to play a role part-time, but the people who do this on a regular basis are doing the real work. They are dedicating their lives to serve the ones that cannot speak for themselves.