We are proud to announce Alessandra Chung as the winner of the 2022 Pure Foundation Fund. This healthcare hero was nominated by her colleagues for going above and beyond in her care for Alaska Native and Native American families during their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey.

Alessandra Chung has been awarded the Pure Foundation Fund for her heroic work and her role as a great protector to her patients. Alessandra received the Pure Foundation Fund plaque and $9,000 for her department to continue to improve the care of parents and babies. Alessandra was nominated by her colleague Sarah Swanland for her tireless dedication to her patients and outstanding contributions to mothers and babies in Anchorage and its surrounding communities.

While in nursing school, Alessandra fell in love with Alaska after spending a summer working at a pediatric clinic in the rural city of Bethel. She decided to make the last frontier her permanent home and moved back to Bethel following graduation. She then made her way to Anchorage where she currently supports the Southcentral Foundation’s Nutaqsiivik Nurse Family Partnership. Unlike similar programs in the U.S., Nutaqsiivik is unique in that it serves the large population of Alaska Native and Native American families in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

As a Nutaqsiivik nurse, Alessandra meets her patients regularly during pregnancy, birth and up until their child’s second birthday to help mothers determine their unique needs and goals for motherhood and their child’s development. From accompanying expecting mothers to prenatal appointments to providing breastfeeding consultations and developmental screenings for the new baby, Nutaqsiivik nurses offer guidance and support to patients every step of the way, culminating in a ‘graduation ceremony’ for mother and baby to celebrate their growth and achievement.

One of Alessandra’s favorite aspects of her work is coming together with new moms to uncover their “heart’s desire” for their new child.

“I love that we get to encourage moms to become the parents they want to be,” Alessandra said. “Every new mom’s situation and needs are unique – for example, some may be considering a career change or going back to school – so we never want them to feel pressured to approach the program in a specific way. The goal by graduation is equipping them with the tools needed to become the best moms they can be.”

Recognizing the Great Protectors

The pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey can be emotional and stressful for parents. The work of healthcare professionals including midwives, doctors, nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, obstetricians, neonatal professionals, and health visitors, is one of great care and support. WaterWipes® is proud to recognize the work and efforts of these heroes. The Pure Foundation Fund allows parents, patients, and colleagues to honor the great protectors involved in this journey.

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in providing care and support for parents and babies. I’m incredibly proud that we can celebrate these outstanding healthcare professionals. Now more than ever we need to say thank you to those who help us when we need it the most.

Jill Sommerville - Director of Medical at WaterWipes®

WaterWipes^® would like to congratulate Alessandra Chung and thank all those who nominated a great protector.