Valley pediatric nurse treats migrant children seeking asylum

PHOENIX — Cindy Gaspar-Rust was moved to dedicate her time and medical skills to help migrant children after she saw the news of busloads of asylum seekers being dropped off at Phoenix-area churches.

With plenty of children enduring the journey across the border and following their parents seeking asylum in United States, a majority of the younger migrants battle illnesses after the treacherous trips.

Gaspar-Rust, a pediatric nurse, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that her and her medical assistant who works as a translator reached out to the Iglesia Nueva Esperanza church in Mesa when they saw they were hosting migrants.

“I spoke to the pastor there and offered to help treat the children,” she said. “So now he will call me randomly and he will say, ‘We have a bus coming here, can you come?”

Gaspar-Rust said a majority of illnesses they treat with the migrant children include fevers, ear infections, repertory infections and stomach issues. They have never sent a child to a hospital.

Tomorrow on @KTAR923, hear the story of Cindy Gaspar-Rust, a valley pediatric nurse who dedicates her time and medical skills anytime a bus from @ICEgov drops off asylum seekers in Phoenix. She says, it’s all about human kindness. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/cLEVrrJ3lr

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) January 3, 2019

Gaspar-Rust said she has served with two “pop-up clinics,” which are supplied in part by donations from churchgoers and other community members.

“There’s a lot of incredible people out there doing compassionate things to help other people,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of people in our community who feel compelled to help and we see a lot being done.”

Gaspar-Rust said she believes children of asylum-seeking migrants are not the ones choosing to come here and understands the migrants seeking asylum are creating history by coming in desperate times.

“I just felt like I had to reach out and be a part of that and help,” Gaspar-Rust said. “I don’t know where it’s going but I just felt like I could do something.”

When Gaspar-Rust was asked what her goal is treating the migrant children she said, “I hope they see someone who cares about them – that was kind to them.

“That’s what I do medically: help and assist children. It doesn’t matter if they’re from a different country.”

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