December 1st was World AIDS Day. Please read below for a letter I received from my dear friend, Philippe van den Bossche the
Executive Director of Raising Malawi – an amazing organization so close to my heart
12/1/2009
Today is World AIDS Day — a time for us all to pause and to reflect. We could spend the day giving you shocking statistics, but today we wish to share with you stories of courageous people, not so different from you and me.
In Malawi, HIV/AIDS impacts everyone — mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and even sons and daughters. Loving people of flesh and blood, who are just trying to make the best of their situation.
Edith and her son Sinode were one such family. Watch their story here.
In some areas of Malawi it can cost $2 to travel to proper medical care. For many Malawians like Edith, this is an expense well beyond their means.
It takes the kind of strength and determination Edith exhibited just to make it to a hospital. Her courage not only inspires me, but will no doubt be an incredible life lesson for her son.
Many of us can relate to the experience of having to care for family members or raise children while being sick ourselves. But few of us have had to overcome the financial and logistic hurdles that Edith faced to receive basic medical care.
Learn more about Edith’s story here.
Sinode and many other children in Malawi need our help. They have witnessed the courage of their parents and family members, but too many are now left alone, orphans raising orphans.
Today, on World AIDS Day, I encourage you to think of the faces of this epidemic — beautiful, courageous people confronting a life-threatening disease with incredible bravery.
The people of Malawi have shown great depth of character, but now it’s up to us to ensure the future of their next generation. It is the children of Malawi that will raise their great nation.
With great respect,
Philippe van den Bossche
Executive Director, Raising Malawi
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