For over a decade, Chico State nursing students have made the trip to Ozu Abom, Nigeria to staff the Kristina Chesterman Memorial Hospital — providing low-cost care to tens of thousands of patients from more than 27 surrounding villages. This January, for the first time, they couldn't go.
The mission was called off in November 2025 due to growing political instability and the threat of military action in the region. Student safety had to come first. But the cancellation carried its own cost: most students had already purchased flights at over $2,200 each, with little to no refund available. Dave and Sandra Chesterman worked to offset those losses where they could.
"The Christina Chesterman Memorial Hospital was built for the community over in Nigeria. Kristina was a very, very kind and generous person."
— Dave Chesterman
Brian Wang, a recent graduate who previously made the trip and helped organize this year's mission, described what the work means to the students who go.
"When I went there as a student, I really got to put into practice everything I learned in nursing school."
— Brian Wang, mission organizer
"It was devastating for us not to go. The people there are always so grateful and kind, and they were really looking forward to us coming back."
— Brian Wang
The hospital opened in 2019 and continues to operate year-round, treating conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and untreated injuries. The foundation is currently fundraising to support a full-time doctor position at the clinic. Annual community fundraisers — including a run in Bidwell Park and an endurance horseback ride in Magalia — help keep the mission funded.
If you'd like to help, donations are accepted at kcmfoundation.org.
Originally reported by Vincent Rupena, KRCR News Channel 7, January 8, 2026.