Why I Give Back

Alive & Free Alumni Dr. Kalah Regis

Our students are incredibly important to us. We know their lives are incredibly impacted by the lessons, love and teachings of Alive & Free. Our donors are just as important because they allow us the ability to continue the necessary work that we know saves lives. We are honored to have our alumni, Dr. Kalah Regis, as a donor who has given consistently over the last 5 years. 

“I don’t want the students to miss out on the fun stuff during college. Paying for books is important, but it is also important to be able to enjoy the fun activities college has to offer. I wanted to be able to help the college students of Alive & Free because I remember and appreciate how much they helped me. I am in a position now that I can give back and I am grateful that I can give back.”

“I really started being consistent with my donations, trying to pay attention to semesters worth of donations when I finished my doctorate in nursing administration and accepted my current job as a nurse manager. This was considered a promotion for me because of the magnitude of the position and increase in salary. I knew I could afford to donate more and that my donation can go a long way.”

“I’m a giver. I want people to have what they need to have and for people to be taken care of as best as they can, and if I can be a part of that, in any kind of way, that’s how my heart works. 

I remember spending so many hours in school and I questioning if I should still be doing this. Whether you are still in school or out, we all are overwhelmed in the healthcare field. But I don’t want them to throw in the towel. We were called to do this work for a reason, and I want to be someone who can help, especially with these challenging times.” 

Kalah worked as a nurse throughout the Covid-pandemic. “I want to be able to help support anyone who is entering the medical field. The medical field went through a lot during the pandemic, and we need more nurses in the field. We need strong people in the work force. The pandemic gave approximately 75% of nurses post-traumatic stress symptoms.” She remembers working 16-hour days while people struggled with and died from Covid. 

“I recognize that Alive & Free helped to minimize my undergrad school debt. I remember being in school and budgeting my money for food. I remember I would reach out to Alive & Free and they would help me with my books and phone bills. Now, I know that money has to come from somewhere, and now that I am in a position to give back, I want to help students by assisting in their college life. I want them to be able to enjoy their Spring Break, these are experiences they shouldn’t have to exclude because of money. I want to be able to help students cover their adult expenses so they can enjoy their college experiences. For me, it’s beyond giving back just for tuition and books. It’s helping to create positive college experiences which is just as important as getting the college degree.” 

Dr. Kalah Regis continues to live and serve in Alabama and earned her doctorate from Stanford University Alabama.