Nurse Visits Kenya to Honor Late Friend—What She Saw Will Touch Your Heart

When David and Trish decided to join the Humanitarian Safari with Beyond the Mark Foundation, it was more than a trip. It was a deeply personal journey rooted in love, legacy, and long-standing friendship. Their connection to Doug and Kim Perry was the spark that led them to Kenya, but it was the people, the children, and the cause that captured their hearts.

Trish has known Doug Perry for over 25 years. She was best friends with his late wife, Juli Anne Perry—a friendship filled with memories, shared laughter, and deep emotional bonds. So when she learned that a hospital was being built in Eldoret, Kenya, in Juli’s memory, Trish felt an undeniable pull to be part of the journey. As a nurse, her heart has always been drawn to healthcare. But this mission was not just professional—it was personal. It was about honoring the life of a friend whose legacy continues to inspire acts of compassion and service across the world.

Doug and Kim Perry have been instrumental in the efforts of Beyond the Mark Foundation, and it was through their encouragement that David and Trish considered traveling to Kenya. They describe Doug as someone they trust completely—kind, sincere, and committed to doing good. Their admiration for Doug and Kim runs deep. They believe in their mission and wanted to see firsthand what they have been working so hard to build.

The trip took them to Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County, where they visited the Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital, and to Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where they toured the Shoe4Africa Schools. For Trish, walking through the hospital halls was a moving experience. She was amazed by the level of care, the dedication of the staff, and the holistic approach to healing. In the United States, such care would be incredibly expensive—but here it was being offered with love and dignity to children who needed it most. As a healthcare professional, Trish saw a model worth celebrating and replicating.

They were equally touched by the children they met. The schoolchildren were polite, joyful, and so easy to interact with. A simple handshake led to smiles, laughter, and warmth that stayed with them. Trish had brought small gifts for the children—nothing grand, but meaningful. The joy in the children’s eyes was overwhelming. It was clear that even the smallest gesture of kindness could make a world of difference.

Their trip also deepened their understanding of Shoe4Africa. Doug had given them a book written by Toby Tanser, the organization’s founder, before their journey. After meeting Toby in person, they described him as sincere and full of heart—a man clearly devoted to uplifting others, especially children. His mission resonated deeply with them.

David and Trish supported local artisans by buying handmade cards—not because they needed souvenirs, but because they understood that their spending helped sustain families and communities. They saw how their presence and contributions could make a real impact. They left Kenya not just inspired, but changed.

They are now thinking of ways to raise funds to support Beyond the Mark Foundation and its partnerships with Shoe4Africa and other nonprofits. One idea that excites them is providing gift cards for schoolchildren—a simple but meaningful way to meet needs with dignity. They have always believed in giving, but this trip has stirred something deeper. They now feel called to give more, love more, and serve more.

David and Trish are parents to nine and grandparents to twenty. Their love for each other is steady and growing. This journey was another chapter in their shared life—a chapter filled with purpose, compassion, and hope. Kenya gave them more than memories. It gave them a renewed sense of mission.

One of the highlights of their journey was a thrilling safari game drive—a true African adventure that gave them moments of wonder and awe. The game drive became the emotional climax of their time in Kenya, offering beauty and reflection before they flew back to the United States. Yet, as unforgettable as the safari was, the heart of the trip remained focused on charity and community. The faces of the children, the stories of resilience, and the dreams being built in places like Eldoret and Iten left the greatest mark.

And they know, in their hearts, this is only the beginning.