My wife is always encouraging me to read more books. I have a love-hate relationship with reading in general. I know it’s good for me, but I usually make excuses or find something far less meaningful to fill my time. I admit it’s a problem. I want to be a better reader, and yet I struggle.
Despite this, I’ve recently been reading “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service,” by Anthony Fauci, M.D., a book that shares the journey of one doctor and his involvement and influence in the medical world. He has worked closely with the highest officials in the world to provide greater access to healthcare for many of the world’s most vulnerable populations. He’s participated in work that has literally saved countless lives all across the globe. It’s incredible and inspiring, and I would not have known any of his story without picking up this particular book and forcing myself to read. He even participated in setting up the Global Fund, of which our Belize program has received funds to assist our HIV/AIDS program.
If you are unaware, “the Global Fund has been a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria to ensure a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all.” Did you know about the Global Fund? Did you know Hand in Hand has been working in Belize to care for individuals with HIV/AIDS? We distribute antiretroviral medicine. We educate the population on ways they can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as raise awareness to people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS that they can still live a full life with proper treatment. We are working to build a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all. We say we are ‘bringing people together to instill hope in one another as we meet the housing, education, and healthcare needs of the economically vulnerable.’ Can you imagine a world where every person feels cared for, knows they belong to a community, and feels hopeful about their future? It may be difficult to imagine that kind of world, but I want to give my whole self to that pursuit along with others who share the same values and hopeful outcomes. It won’t be easy, though.
Have you heard that the Global Fund is essentially going away? This means Hand in Hand will struggle to care for our patients without this assistance. I bring this up to drive home the message that your generosity matters. Your donations, your gifts, your investment in the mission and work of Hand in Hand matter and continue to make an impact in the lives of countless individuals living with HIV/AIDS in vulnerable communities. The impact is reaching further to families affected by floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. The impact reaches individuals in need of better access in and out of their homes. The impact reaches students seeking a better future for themselves and their families. Our education programs ensure students can pursue their dreams and achieve their goals while building community and belonging to an extended family that will always be present and supportive.
What a privilege it is that we get to participate in this kind of community-building work. We are so blessed and fortunate to have these opportunities to engage in this type of meaningful service. The more we give of ourselves and our resources, the more we are impacted and changed. The imprint of others marks us every time we connect across lines of culture and demographics, ethnicity, gender, faith, and lifestyle. I hope you will evaluate your own life and challenge yourself to continue to engage in the hard work of giving yourself away to others in vulnerable places. It’s truly the only thing that matters in this life. And I hope Hand in Hand can always be a place you choose to give of your time and resources.
May you find encouragement in what we have accomplished leading up to today, and challenge ourselves to do more tomorrow.
Always hopeful,
Luke Chase