Where We Began

In 2006, Dr. Joseph Dumba, a family physician in Omaha, NE and member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, began planning a medical mission to Kajo-Keji, South Sudan, where he was born and raised. Wayne Naro, an Omaha attorney and CPC member, joined him on an initial exploratory trip, leading to a 17-member medical team traveling to South Sudan in 2007.

Struck by the lack of primary medical care, the team returned to the United States with a vision for a permanent medical presence in Kajo-Keji. In March 2008, Dr. Dumba, Naro, and Pastor Jeremy Grant returned for a fact-finding mission to develop this plan. Working with the Anglican Church, Bishop Anthony Poggo, and Hon. Ben Yengi, they reached an agreement to establish a medical facility. Local elders in Lijo Village donated land, and the government approved construction.

In 2009, a second medical mission team provided essential services. Through Wayne's efforts, The Healing Kadi Foundation was incorporated and received 501(c)(3) status in May 2010 to begin raising funds for the hospital. Wayne hoped to return to Kajo-Keji with the mission team in March 2011, but a severe illness prevented him from going. He passed away in May 2011, yet his commitment to helping the people of South Sudan lives on through the fully operating Marilyn Miller Memorial Clinic, which continues to save lives.