Local woman’s family helping pregnant women in Nepal

The earthquake that shook Nepal has killed more than 8,000 people and injured more than 16,000 others.

It flattened mountain villages and destroyed buildings in the Himalayan region.

The United Nations said international response to the humanitarian crisis has been slow and tens of thousands of people are still living in the open.

Around 126,000 women were pregnant in Nepal before the earthquake hit. In the aftermath, they need help more than ever.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, one local woman is raising awareness of the needs of those who one day hope to become mothers.

Arlene Samen dedicates her life to serving women and children in isolated communities in developing countries.

Samen’s sister, Lynda, lives here in the desert and has always been inspired by her humanitarian efforts.

“When you have a family member who achieves more than anyone you’ve ever known in your life, it’s hard to follow,” Lynda Samen said.

Samen founded One Heart World-Wide 17 years ago after learning about the plight of pregnant women in rural Tibet.

She was chosen as one of CNN’s heroes in 2008.

Now Samen is working alongside other heroes to save women and children in Nepal after the destruction of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

“They already had 126,000 pregnant mothers that needed help when this thing hit. The buildings are now crumbled. Arlene’s facilities –75 percent of them are no longer there — these were the only birthing centers that country had,” Lynda Samen said.

“And since those buildings are gone, now since they had put up these tents they’re becoming the hospital not only the birthing center but for the injured people as well,”

Samen’s team had aid workers on location after the earthquake hit on April 25.

Their team is administering aid and bringing tents, backpacks, food and medical supplies to those who need it most.

“And at least Arlene’s team and their 1,500 foot soldiers that she’s trained in that region are getting to help the babies survive. The babies are the new frontier. If they don’t survive nobody will. The race won’t survive,” Lynda Samen said.

Lynda is working to raise awareness here in the Coachella Valley.

“They are our arms and our legs and our feet, they’re there physically. And we need to be their wallet and we need to send them money to help them,” Lynda Samen said.

Samen’s team is working to raise $50,000 to continue running emergency medical camps.

“Arlene’s belief is that every mother has the right to a healthy born baby and not have to bury a tiny body. Arlene’s never been able to have children herself and God gave her the children of the world. And she’s on a mission from God like you’ve never seen before,” Lynda Samen said.

If you would like to find out more on how you can help One Heart World-Wide, click here.