KAPPA PHILANTHROPY
Nurses' Coalition Featured Kappa Who Helped Hospitals in Houston
A Tampa (FL) Alumni Spring 2016 initiate Toriquic Dunk- ley was one of 160 nurses from across the country to volunteered their time at the hospitals in Houston. It was a two-week experience Dunkley will never forget. “Those nurses all were trapped at the hospital because of the water,” said the 27-year-old Dunkley. “They couldn’t get to their homes, couldn’t get to their families. “By us coming over there it let them go home,” Dunkley said. “They went home and we took over their roles so they could get rest or handle their business until they returned.” Dunkley has his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida A&M University and is currently studying for his master’s degree at the University. Dunkley also works once a month at Tampa General Hospital, driving from Tallahassee on those weekends. “When I was in high school, I saw what nurses did and how the world needs nurses,” Dunkley said. “I’m a person that has his spirit fed when I can help some- one in need. Being a nurse, I know I’m here for a reason. I’m being utilized and
house was flooded and he had nothing but the t-shirt and jeans he had on. But the doctor didn’t miss a shift. “He said all the other stuff is replace- able,” Dunkley recalled. “He said, my family is ok and I have to take care of patients. I can’t stress with the things I loss.” While he was in Houston, Hurricane Irma formed and started heading toward Florida. Dunkley couldn’t help but think of the irony that he was in Texas helping people when the people in his home state may soon need help. “I wanted to get on the next flight and head home,” he admitted. “But I had a job to finish.” That dedication is why he went to Houston in the first place and in the end reinforced to Dunkley that he had chosen the right profession. “On my way over, I admit I was think- ing ‘what was I doing?’” he said. “But this just solidified the proof that my job is important. I can function anywhere in the world. We can help and we don’t know how we are going to touch some- body else’s life. Working with the broth- ers of. Kappa Alpha Psi ® is no different.”
making a difference in people’s lives.” That experience paid off in his trip to Houston. Dunkley found out he was selected for the trip and was to fly out on the next day. The Tampa native flew out of Tampa to Dallas. After spend- ing a night in Dallas, Dunkley and the other nurses went to Houston the next morning. On his way to the hospital, he saw the damage the flooding from the hurricane had done. “It was lots of water,” he recalled. “Trees overturned and a lot of people asking for food in the community. One of things that I saw was the impact we had at the hospital. The nurses were so apprecia- tive. They were crying, hugging us. They were so happy to see us.” Once Dunkley and the other nurses made it to their assigned hospitals, they were treated like staff. Dunkley said he had just one day off and worked 12- and 13-hour shifts. And although he took the time away from his classes, he still had assignments to do. So following his shifts, he would go to his room and do homework. It was tiring but the spirit of the people in Houston renewed Dunkley’s vigor and determination. He met one doctor whose
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