During the pandemic many of us were encouraged to buy a personal pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels during COVID-19 illness.

As an asthmatic, I have long considered the pulse ox to be my personal friend, as if it had chosen to set out on a passionate quest, protecting me against hypoxemia by communicating to my nurse, doctor, or corpsman.

But at the height of the first round of COVID infections in August of 2020, I read an article that documented the ways my “dear little friend” was betraying my brothers and sisters of color. That betrayal felt personal. How could a life-saving device play favorites? If medical equipment is inconsistently accurate, my loved ones are in danger.

I am a follower of Jesus, who is passionate about emotional health and healing. I love experiencing the unique, divine reflection of God in each person; He is gloriously creative!

In addition to pursuing change in this important area of medicine, I’m a Navy wife and a homeschooling mom to our two gifted, neurodivergent children.