British born and Australian raised, Kim Patra has spent the best part of her adult years on the sleepy tropical island of Bali. Kim is a mother of three, a nurse, a midwife, and a writer and very few long term expatriates will have not had cause to call upon Kim’s expertise at some time or another.

It was not so long ago on this island that information of any kind was hard to come by. If there was a health concern, either serious or not-so-serious, Kim was the one to call. She has been there for us all through so much - pregnancies, broken bones, and all other nature of ills. Kim has always brought a sense of humor, and calm reassurance to even the most traumatic situations.

On the morning of October the 13th 2002, Kim along with teams of health professionals and volunteers stepped out of their lives to assist the victims of the atrocious bombing that had occurred on the previous evening. For many of the unskilled volunteers Kim’s presence and guidance at the hospital gave them purpose and direction.

This book tells her story of that time, a story of the courage and commitment demonstrated by so many there.

Melina Caruso

Bali, August 2003