Building A Strong Foundation

New Singing River Health System Foundation Director Laura Sessum finds her calling – and healing – in serving others.

Laura Sessum always knew she would be happiest in a career helping others. In 2005, she accomplished the first significant step towards that goal by graduating college with a nursing degree.

But before she could begin to make her mark on the world, tragedy struck. On Mardi Gras Day, her beloved grandmother was found murdered and the life as she knew it would be forever changed.

During the healing process, Laura turned to scripture. “I found great strength and purpose in Romans 12:21,” said Laura, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

She knew she had much more good to do. She returned to nursing, and in 2009 changed gears to community wellness where she could focus on helping address the health needs of South Mississippi. Then in July of this year, Laura became Director of Singing River Health System Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves Jackson County patients and Singing River Health System employees in need.

Having a clinical background prepared her to better understand the critical needs of patients from short term medication to equipment and supplies.

“I feel like I’ve found my calling,” said Laura. “In this role I can help so many people – and 100% of all donations go directly to them. Even my salary is provided by Singing River Health System so we have more to share with the community.”

Singing River Health System Foundation is committed to providing assistance to those who have health-related needs in Jackson County.

Discover more about the Foundation.