She is Fearless - March 21, 2026 Event

Nora McNeill, a Licensed Midwife - 50th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:00 pm, Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson, CA

In the quiet hills of Northern California, where the Sacramento River winds through Redding like a lifeline, Nora McNeill has spent half a century helping to usher new lives into the world. With gentle hands and an unshakeable faith, Nora a licensed midwife (RN, LM) has attended over a thousand births, turning what could be moments of fear into triumphs of empowerment. As she has completed her 50th year in midwifery, a new chapter unfolds—not just in her practice, but in a documentary that captures the essence of her remarkable journey.

Nora's story begins in 1975, a time when midwifery was more art than institution, often practiced in the shadows without formal licensing. Inspired by the simple miracle of watching her childhood cat give birth, she dove into the field with raw intuition and a deep-seated belief that women were designed for this sacred act. "I learned from the mothers themselves," Nora recalls in interviews, her voice warm with decades of wisdom. Over the years, she's assisted generations of birthing women—grandmothers who were once her clients now watching their daughters and granddaughters experience the same compassionate care.

What sets Nora apart is her profound faith, which she describes as the guiding force behind every birth. In her home-based birthing suite in Redding, she emphasizes nutrition, informed consent, and spiritual strength. Families speak of her as a guardian angel. One mother shared how Nora's calm presence during a challenging VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) transformed her fear into joy, forging a bond that lasts lifetimes. "She's not just a midwife; she's family," says a client whose three children—and now grandchildren—were born under Nora's watchful eye.

Yet, Nora's path hasn't been without trials. Twice in her long career she faced professional persecution, including investigations that threatened her practice. A community rallied around her with a GoFundMe campaign, affirming her role as a pillar against what she saw as discrimination toward out of hospital birthing. Through it all, her faith sustained her, pulling her back from retirement. "God isn't done with me yet," she says, continuing to train student midwives to carry the torch.

Now, this inspiring legacy is being immortalized in She is Fearless, a feature-length documentary that is under development by filmmaker Brandon Ballard. The film delves into Nora's faith-driven mission, her triumphs in normal childbirth, and the intimate stories of the families she's touched. Featuring heartfelt testimonials and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work, it highlights the beauty of midwifery as a calling rather than a career. The project has evolved and promises to inspire audiences far beyond California by showcasing how one woman's devotion can ripple through communities.

As Nora marks her 50th anniversary—dating back to her first birth on October 8, 1975—a special celebration is planned to honor her enduring impact. On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson, CA. Families, students, and supporters will gather for a free, family-friendly event. Expect live music, food trucks, bounce houses for the kids, and a screening of a short documentary on her journey, alongside stories from those whose lives she's changed. Doors open at 3:30 PM, with the main event starting at 4:00 PM PDT.

RSVP is encouraged to secure your spot—details and tickets are available at eventbrite.com

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In an era where medical interventions often overshadow normal processes, Nora McNeill stands as a beacon of trust in the body's wisdom and the power of faith. Her story reminds us that true healing comes not just from skill, but from the heart. As She is Fearless nears completion and her anniversary celebration draws close, one thing is clear: Nora's legacy will continue to deliver hope, one birth at a time.

Donations will be invited at the celebration to help fund the completion of the documentary.