Continuing the call to serve beyond medical care

It’s a common experience for college students to switch majors as they decide which career path they want to pursue. For some, the realization of being in the wrong field comes after taking a handful of uninspiring classes. For others, like Cassie Myre, of Minnetonka, it is the leap of faith after being called to something bigger than what they originally planned. After being introduced to CURE International, Cassie was called to pursue a path that would lead her to serve others.

CURE International

CURE International operates charitable hospitals and programs in 14 countries. Not only do they provide medical healing, but also spiritual healing. Their mission consists of three pillars: “In the countries we serve, CURE is committed to healing for today, healing for tomorrow, and healing for eternity.” Through medical procedures and nurturing conversations and time spent together, CURE has been dedicated to “healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God.”

Cassie was introduced to CURE’s mission through her grandfather, who serves on the board. Although she was initially hesitant to participate, her first trip sparked an interest in missions and serving abroad. With her family and friends, she spent time serving with CURE in Zambia and Kenya.

Making the Switch

When Cassie began her college years at Asbury University in Kentucky, she was pursuing an undergraduate degree in physical therapy.  To fulfill the internship requirement to graduate, Cassie spent seven weeks in Kenya, working with CURE in their hospitals. During this time, she found herself drawn towards the time in operating rooms and doing castings; the hands-on approach to healthcare she experienced was far different from the healthcare system of the United States.

Having been unsure of sticking with physical therapy, the trip offered an open door to explore nursing. Her faith also played a role in the decision, as she began to feel called to pursue this different path.

“Being in Kenya solidified the desire to switch to nursing,” Cassie said. “I felt encouraged by the staff and being able to have a relationship with the patients.”

CURE staff exhibited the deep desire to care for other people in vulnerable situations, and Cassie knew she needed to be a part of it. For most patients, being inside a hospital is scary, and the connections CURE makes with them lets them know someone is there to walk beside them every step of the way.

“It’s a challenge, but so rewarding,” Cassie said. Not only did she experience caring for patients inside a hospital, but also the moments outside of the operating room that mean just as much, if not more.

“Miriam, a nurse, invited a family to eat at her home because they didn’t have any food,” Cassie said. This intentionality that goes beyond medical care inspired Cassie to bring these values back with her to the States.

Coming Home

Knowing now where her true calling was, Cassie returned to the States and graduated in 2013 with her undergraduate in physical therapy, then enrolled in an accelerated nursing program at Duke University.

Cassie then served as a nurse until 2019, when she and her husband, Luke, of Buffalo, had a son, Jonathon. She now stays home full-time to take care of him, and carries the memories and lessons learned from her time in Kenya with her.

“I remember that we do have great privilege,” she said, reflecting on her experiences in Kenya and life here in America. She realized many people do not fully know or understand what happens outside of the States.

“I saw a lot of hunger, homelessness, and poverty,” Cassie said. “We don’t compare to that extent [of Kenya], but we do experience hardships.”

This recognition of treating everyone with compassion, as we never know the full extent of their story, has remained firm in Cassie’s heart, whether interaction with others be through missions trips, nursing, being a mom, or daily conversations with friends and family.

            If you are feeling called to serve others through medical care and ministry, visit cure.org for more information.