From Caregiver to Healthcare Champion, Alima Sagan’s Inspirational Journey of Compassion and Resilience

Alima Sandrine Renatta Sagan, 35, hails from Queenstown village, in the Cinderella County of Essequibo, Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supernaam). At an early age, she knew that she had a special calling in caring, as Alima was surrounded by lots of elderly relatives, especially her grandma, her siblings and her aunts.

As someone who loves education, she made several attempts to further her education and get a job, however she had an odd feeling and followed her gut, so Alima stayed at home and took care of her grandmother.

“The journey wasn’t easy because I didn’t have the experience in this area. I had no idea how to cope with the different changes in her health. But I do remember doing personal care and always making silly videos and taking loads of pictures and how happy she was when I did this.

I still didn’t realise it was my calling. Sadly, one week after celebrating my 25th birthday, she passed away. This was the day my journey started. I’ll just use 3 words: blood, sweat and tears,” Alima told Village Voice News.

Further, she added, “To get over my grief, I got attached to other family members and I was doing so well until I fell sick one day. I never took time to care for myself after losing my grandmother, so my body stopped, but with the help of my dad’s sister, Annette Semple and her children who stood with me each day. Even though I can never repay them, I am thankful that they stood by my side.”

Alima’s cousin (Ivrine Semple) advised her to pursue a career in the health and/or medical field, to keep her mind active but all she thought of was caring for her two aunts, Norma and Lawrice. In 2017, Alima left to pursue her career in Environmental Health, via the Ministry of Health. Whilst pursuing her studies, her aunt Lawrice passed away.

Alima started to blame herself for her aunt’s death, but with guidance and encouragement from her cousin Geraldine Halls, she no longer sees it that way, but she continued to grieve.

After spending about one year to complete her Environmental Health Certificate, Alima was excited to start working and returning to Essequibo to live with her aunt Norma.

“We spent lots of days talking about how we will have a good time. When I start working, she would say we are going to have bar-b-que and chips from Azeez which she really loved. Unfortunately, the week I got paid, she got sick, and we never got a chance to do that, as she passed. Aunt Norma’s death affected me in so many ways. I literally did all I can,” an emotional Alima said.

Alima became depressed and was placed on depression and anxiety pills instantly. Losing the ones she found comfort in was not easy for her. But she kept the faith and pressed on.

Glenis Walcott, a friend of Alima’s, constantly prayed for her and encouraged her to remain prayerful no matter what. On the days she (Alima) didn’t pray, she fell right back into depression.

Alima worked for 3 years as an environmental health assistant with the Regional Democratic Council Region 2 and the Ministry of Health, after which she left for the United Kingdom (UK). There she works as a healthcare assistant. She has received 2 awards for her stellar performance on the job.

She also studied and copped a healthcare certificate while in England.

Alima mentioned, “Prayers were indeed the Key. I never saw an ad for the job I have in the UK. I found the page on social media and sent a message and luckily, I got a reply.  My journey started again, and I can say it wasn’t easy but I kept the faith. I’ve learned a lot throughout my life journey…I’ve learned to be appreciative and thankful for everything even when the road seems rough….”

When asked for advice, Alima stressed, “Always stay prayerful. God’s timing is indeed the best. The sky’s the limit. If you don’t make it in your 20s, 30s, 40s you will make it in your 50s, 60s.”

In expressing gratitude, Alima would like to thank all her family friends and cousins for all their support and prayers.