My mind then skips to who we are. What is the common bond that brought the six of us together? Of course each of us is deeply interested in equitable access to care and committed to the promotion of women’s health. But beyond the obvious, I have to believe that we are dreamers of the highest order. There is a collective understanding that each one of us has been blessed with an exceptional education, equipped with priceless skills, and provided with bountiful resources; and with this awareness comes humility and responsibility. To leverage these gifts in the form of service to others is our own personal expression. It is said that giving to those who do not have the capacity to ever reciprocate is truly selfless. However, I beg to differ. Having the opportunity to care for these women, exchange ideas with one another, behold the beauty of another land, immerse ourselves in another culture–all of this fills us with so much joy and hope that our work almost feels selfish.
Finally, who are the people who make all of this even possible? Who are the philanthropists who enable our work with their generosity and grace? How lucky are we that their compassion gives us the chance to actualize our ideals? Somehow their life success translates to the well-being of thousands of women around the world, which in turn works to fulfill our own lives. This wondrous circle of giving and receiving is almost too beautiful to be true.
Screening hundreds of women for early detection of cervical cancer, training dozens of native healthcare providers in the “See and Treat” technique, and equipping several clinics to carry on this important work is most definitely an enriching experience in of itself. However, seeing firsthand the limitless love we share for one another and understanding the interconnected destiny of each and every one of us is what truly swells me with gratitude.
