‘We saw the need’: How community spirit drives local Filipino American woman’s global mission in health care

Carmina Montesa Aldana founded nonprofit Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation in Jacksonville

The experience of growing up Filipino American in a diplomatic family led Carmina Montesa Aldana, a mother of twins, to co-found the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation, or NOF, in Jacksonville. (Provided by the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Carmina Montesa Aldana, a mother of twins, has dedicated her life to serving others.

Growing up Filipino American in a diplomatic family, her father’s role as an ambassador shaped her worldview and instilled in her a commitment to community service.

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“I’ve seen specifically in terms of the hardships that Filipinos have experienced,” Carmina shared during a recent interview. Her compassion extends beyond her homeland.

“I have a big, big heart toward not just the Philippines, but anyone who’s a minority or anybody who’s suffering,” Carmina said.

These experiences led her to co-found the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation, or NOF, in Jacksonville. The organization focuses on providing crucial neurosurgical care to underserved communities.

NOF also trains young surgeons through its Educational Surgical Mission program and offers scholarships to medical students, among other community initiatives.

The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation focuses on providing crucial neurosurgical care to underserved communities. (Provided by the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation)

Her Filipino American roots significantly influence her work.

Carmina draws on the Filipino value of bayanihan, which loosely translates to “community spirit,” and combines it with American values of education and equity to lead NOF.

A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that 5 billion people lack adequate surgical care, with 14 million in need of neurosurgical assistance in low-income countries.

“We saw the need... we wanted to really narrow that gap,” Carmina said.

Carmina Montesa Aldana draws on the Filipino value of bayanihan, which loosely translates to “community spirit,” and combines it with American values of education and equity to lead NOF. (Provided by the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation)

Over the past 15 years, the foundation has positively impacted thousands of lives. Carmina attributes their success to the support from Jacksonville, which more than 25,000 Filipinos call home.

“If it weren’t for this amazing community, our work would not be successful,” she said.

In recognition of their efforts, NOF received a Presidential Award from the President of the Philippines last December.

“It was a way of basically a country saying, ‘Thank you, Jacksonville,‘” Carmina said.

Philippine President honors the Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation with the PAFIOO Linkapil Award in recognition of its work to advance neurosurgical care in the Philippines (Carmina Montesa Aldana)

Believing in the power of community, Carmina encourages women looking to make a difference to tap into their passions and seek support.

“You need to believe in it with all your heart and all your soul,” she advised.

She believes that women make a significant impact because they care deeply about their communities.

“When we deeply care, we take action, and when we take action, a movement starts,” she said.

The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation continues to expand its operations, including developing a pediatric neurosurgery program in Mongolia.

Additionally, a documentary titled “Healing Minds” showcases their work and has previously aired on News4JAX.