Weathering the storm: KCU students clean up Joplin storm damage

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines empathy as the action of understanding, being aware of and sensitive to the feelings and experiences of another person. At Kansas City University (KCU), empathy means caring for our students, our colleagues and our communities. Many times, that happens outside the walls of the classroom. One student organization is using their hands to heal and help others long before they earn their credentials as doctors and dentists.

Every Tuesday night, members of KCU-Joplin’s Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) meet for Bible study and a time of fellowship. However, one night in May, following several days of stormy weather in the Joplin area, the group felt called to help a member of KCU’s community. With chainsaws and limb cutters in tow, they took a break from studying for final exams and board prep to clean up fallen trees and debris at the home of Beth Morgan, a dental assistant with the College of Dental Medicine.

“Nearly 30 students and faculty physicians showed up at my doorstep about 3 p.m. to clean up after four trees hit my house. I had nine trees completely uprooted,” said Morgan. “Students kept flowing in throughout the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. I was beyond words, completely humbled. I’ve never felt so loved by strangers and acquaintances as I did during those six hours. The amount of work they accomplished in a few hours would have taken weeks or longer for us to complete.”

For CMDA board members and KCU students Trey Hoenie, Kinsey Morey, Alexis Valtier and Matias Erickson, the decision to forego their typical Bible study to help a member of KCU’s community was an easy one.

“Everyone was eager to help,” said Hoenie. “We are called to serve others.”

Valtier agrees.

“In everything we do, we hope to be a source of light in the darkness. It was such a grounding experience to remember why we embarked on the health care profession in the first place, and that is to serve. As an aspiring physician, to be able to do that, even in a nonmedical setting, was truly a gift,” said Valtier.

When CMDA resumed their Bible study the following week, Erickson led the session. The topic? Appropriately, it was serving others.

“The selflessness and sacrificial service of these students reflect KCU’s values and our mission to improve the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Ken Stewart, assistant professor of Primary Care and CMDA sponsor. “I am confident they have what it takes to provide phenomenal care as future physicians and dentists.”