Impact – wayne centrone
I am an unbashful, over-the-top, super-optimist. I always believe in what can be. Some people think this is unrealistic or irresponsible, but not holding onto hope in any situation is not an option. It is who I am.
I bring this same enthusiasm for what can and will be to the world of HBI. I know that some days will be easier than others, that money will flow, and that tomorrow is a new take on life. This is especially important for our work on systems change.
Building a model training program capable of training every healthcare professional in Peru who attends births in newborn resuscitation is not for the weak of the heart. The task requires a “slow and steady” commitment, which is only possible with a never-say-done philosophy. Our training model is going places. Yes, it is a slow grinding pace, but it is happening. Things are happening. Trainers are getting trained. They are, in turn, putting on trainings and providing their colleagues with the life-saving knowledge and skills of newborn resuscitation. Most of all, even if we can never empirically demonstrate such a sustained impact, we know babies’ lives are being saved.
Walking alongside a child who has lived through unspeakable trauma is a process that requires a daily if not hourly, commitment. It is the kind of work that puts the child as the focus and then creates opportunities to address that child’s unique needs. The job requires a daily recommitment – recognizing that life is complex in the best circumstances. There are millions of children living in violence, trauma, abuse, and neglect. Thousands of children in Peru do not have a loving, supportive home. Should we get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the challenge we face? Or should we take a “we got this” attitude and keep moving forward? There is no option. I will always choose an unbashful, over-the-top, super-optimism.
This is our impact. We are committed to never giving up.
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