Because of You, Evilyn Became the Nurse She was Meant to Be

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Evilyn Andres always knew she wanted to help people feel better. 

As a child, she accompanied her parents to every medical appointment, acting as their translator even before she fully understood the words she was interpreting. What she did understand was the impact of care. 

“Even though I was only 10 or 11, I knew that whatever the doctors and nurses did, they made my parents better,” Evilyn said, “And I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” 

Today, Evilyn is living that dream as a registered nurse at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, thanks to her own determination and the support she received through the Novant Health Upward Mobility Educational Award for Nursing program. 

The Upward Mobility program provides comprehensive support for team members pursuing nursing degrees, covering tuition, fees, books, a laptop and even the cost of licensing exams. It also offers an administrative day each week, allowing students to focus on school without losing income. 

For Evilyn, that flexibility made all the difference. 

“My worries were, how am I going to go to school and still pay bills? I have kids,” she said. “The Upward Mobility program let me pursue my education without sacrificing financial stability. It let me become someone new.” 

Her journey was challenging but rewarding. Now, she’s ready to make a difference for others the way her care teams once did for her parents. 

“I’m excited. I’m very proud of myself, it was a challenging but very rewarding journey. I’m a little nervous, but I’m ready — I’m ready for a new journey.” Evilyn said. “To all the donors who have made this program possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” 

Together, we can lift others.  

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There are so many ways to make a difference. Whether you give or volunteer, your compassion moves our mission forward.  

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