Fighting For Others

Rohini and I had the privilege of sharing a table at a conference event with Laurie Garrett, a Pulitzer Prize winning author and humanitarian who has devoted her life, fighting to save the lives of children in some of the poorest nations in the world. Her life’s work driven by a passion to find funding and shed light on the tragedy of communicable disease caused by viruses such as Ebola, and Zika.

Laurie is no arm chair journalist. She has witnessed and reported on the human suffering from the very underbelly  of these poor countries that have been the breeding ground for these deadly diseases. Focusing less on her safety, and more on the story that needed to be told.

Laurie feels a deep sense of indignation for the politicians who care more about getting re-elected than saving lives. “There is no money”. That is the party line response. Wonder if these suit and tie politicians would find the funds if their children were afflicted?

I was impressed by this brilliant lady who has spent her life fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. Very few of us ever do that — fight for the nameless, faceless people who can never repay us. It was a humbling conversation. And a life lesson, that will stay with me forever.