✧ EDINA BIRTHING CENTER - LIBERIA ✧

 “When we achieve something truly rare, that success becomes more than a personal milestone; it becomes an instrument for the greater good. As human beings, our highest calling is to lift one another and rise together. After our recent six-month sailing expedition from Canaries to Angola, I feel a profound responsibility to ensure our efforts bring tangible relief to those who need it most. My experiences in Liberia touched me deeply, and I am fully committed to transforming the results of our journey into a lasting, positive impact for the people there. A portion of all proceeds from my books, upcoming features, and future media engagements will be donated to the expansion of maternal care facilities in Edina, Liberia." - Elena Levon

In February 2026, we became the first documented private sailing vessel to arrive in Liberia in recent maritime history. This journey also involved a 1,000+ nautical-mile "against the grain" crossing of the Central Gulf of Guinea—navigating through an active piracy zone and through the heart of Intertropical Convergence Zone.

While this voyage established a significant maritime milestone for female sailors in West Africa, the true heart of the mission was discovered on land. In Edina village, Liberia, I was introduced to a local maternity ward by a civil war survivor who overcame his lifelong fear of the ocean to assist us. Seeing the conditions there, I realized that my "first" should serve a higher purpose: ensuring that every woman, regardless of geography, can give life in safety and dignity.

THE MISSION IN EDINA VILLAGE

My February visit to a local maternity ward in Edina highlighted an urgent need for two additional maternity rooms. Moved by the dedication of the local midwives, I committed to supporting the construction of these rooms. My initial personal contribution was donated directly to support this specific initiative, as discussed at that time.

PROJECT UPDATE JULY 2026: EXPANSION TO A FULL CLINIC FACILITY

Following recent local assessments by medical staff, the project has successfully evolved from its initial two-room scope into a comprehensive, brand-new clinic facility. The expanded blueprint is designed to include a delivery room, a pre-delivery monitoring room, and a postpartum recovery ward. Furthermore, it will feature an expectant mothers' waiting area, a nurse-midwife office, a kitchen, and independent infrastructure, including plumbing, water wells, and solar power.

CURRENT STAGE & TIMELINE

The project is currently in the independent planning and fundraising stages, with full construction scheduled to begin in 2027. The initiative is being managed in partnership with professional medical organizations, local leaders, and international project managers, with final, detailed construction plans currently being developed.

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF LIBERIA

• VISIT THE SHOP
  A portion of proceeds from my creative writing, photography, and shop sales goes directly to support maternal care initiatives in Edina, Liberia.

• DIRECT DONATIONS
  100% of any direct public donations collected here are held securely and will be transferred systematically to support the clinic's future development phases once the comprehensive building budget is finalized.