ANASTASIA GOELDNER-THOMPSON

CHEER is proud to spotlight Anastasia Goeldner-Thompson as our CHAMPion of the Week! Anastasia is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Sheffield and the recipient of a competitive International Child Health Group (ICHG) Elective Award, granted annually to medical students undertaking international child health elective placements. She received the award for her impactful work with the CHEER International Group (CHEERing) in Athens, Greece, where she supported maternal and child health and promoted preventative medicine in displaced communities.

During her 8-week elective placement with CHEERing, Anastasia immersed herself in fieldwork, contributing meaningfully to grow clinics, preventive health screenings, and the Community Mothers Project. She has also played a key role in sustaining our anemia prevention program—an essential effort to improve nutritional outcomes for pregnant women and young children in refugee camps and underserved areas.

Anastasia has a deep commitment to reducing health inequities and advancing pediatric global health. In the UK, she volunteers with a widening participation program that supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing careers in medicine. Looking ahead, she aspires to continue her work in humanitarian medicine and child health on a global scale.

Reflecting on her time with CHEERing, Anastasia shared: “Being part of a team that prioritized practical, human-centered support in the face of crisis reaffirmed my belief that access to medical support is a fundamental human right, and strengthened my commitment to advocating for global child health.”

One of her most memorable experiences was a beach day organized for the children in CHEERing’s programs: “Watching the children’s faces light up with joy and laughter was a powerful reminder that health isn’t just about medicine—it’s also about dignity, safety, and freedom.”

We are so grateful for Anastasia’s compassion, dedication, and leadership in promoting health and dignity for all children. Thank you for being a CHAMPion!