CURA was born in 2009 at the home of Antenor and Phyllis, together with Dr. Greg, during a conversation about how they could do more for the underserved community of Itu. They reflected on how to better serve those in need of medical care — and that’s how CURA began to take shape.

The name CURA stands for Care, Respect, and Love. Guided by this mission, we have been faithfully serving for 16 years, with the purpose of reaching out to others with empathy and availability. We believe we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ here on Earth.

The project’s first initiative was an annual medical campaign held every July, with the participation of students from the United States and from Brazilian universities, especially in the medical field. These students came to collaborate, experiencing internship, cultural exchange, and cooperation — allowing us to reach and care for a large number of people.

From the very beginning, all physicians involved have volunteered their time. In addition to them, we rely on a support team of volunteers who are not necessarily health professionals but who dedicate their time and energy to make the project happen.

For the first five years, the project took place in Cidade Nova, a community located on the outskirts of the city. After this period, we moved to Vila Progresso. The local government supported the project by providing public schools, which were transformed into temporary hospitals during the campaigns.

As the years went by, the number of volunteers and specialties grew. What started with just a few medical areas expanded to include 10 to 12 specialties each year, all during our July campaign.

Over time, we realized that these communities needed more than isolated events. This is how CURA Comunidade (CURA Community) was born. It is a branch of CURA dedicated to renovating homes of vulnerable families, distributing food baskets, and providing basic living conditions with dignity.

After five years in Vila Progresso, we faced an inevitable pause during the pandemic, which prevented us from holding large in-person campaigns. When we resumed, a new chapter began in the rural area of Apotribu.

When we first arrived in Apotribu, there was only a simple, unfinished structure resembling a small health post. With the help of volunteers and donations, we transformed it into a community health center, now a beautiful, fully renovated, and vibrant space. There, we carry out monthly actions, maintaining close contact with the community.

On the same property, there is a city-run school serving 180 children from pre-K through 5th grade. Throughout the year, we provide dental care for all of them, along with ongoing health and support activities.

Our main campaign still takes place every July, but we remain present throughout the year, visiting the community once or twice a month to provide medical, social, and housing support. We also make home visits to people who are unable to leave their houses, ensuring that no one goes without care.

Today, by the grace of God, we have a network of active volunteers throughout the year: specialists from several areas, dentists, physical therapists, and other professionals who volunteer their time to serve the community. CURA has grown and become a movement that truly transforms lives.

We are now serving our third community: Cidade Nova, Vila Progresso, and now Apotribu. The first two were urban peripheral communities facing extreme vulnerability. In rural Apotribu, we work with people who have often spent their entire lives far from the city, without access to basic health care, education, and information.

These are humble, hardworking families who have homes and lives but lack access to fundamental rights. That’s why CURA has become a bridge bringing care, dignity, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to this community that has welcomed us with so much love. The work we do there doesn’t just transform their lives it transforms ours, too.