Married to Medical Missions
Kyra and Alec Friesen first met as cheerleaders on the University of Kansas cheer team in 2014 and tied the knot in 2023. Their shared journey through healthcare then led them to an incredible opportunity—a medical mission trip offered through Kyra’s CRNA program at KU. With Alec completing his emergency medicine residency in 2024, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Both had long dreamed of participating in medical missions, drawn to the idea of providing care where it’s most needed. “This kind of work takes us back to why we chose healthcare in the first place—to truly help people in a hands-on, meaningful way,” Kyra shares. “It’s humbling to use your skills without the luxury of perfect conditions. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and making a difference—even if it’s just for one person.”
For Kyra and Alec, serving on a mission together has deepened their bond. “Working side by side reminds us not only why we chose medicine, but why we chose each other,” they reflect. “It’s a chance to step away from daily routines and see each other at our best—handling challenges with compassion and purpose.”
