YOU are a hero!

Everyday heroes come from all circumstances, continents, and walks of life. They contribute to the goal of ending poverty through their voices, their time, their money, their collaboration, and their passionate commitment to a more just world.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Noooo, it’s…YOU! A hero that is powerful enough to change lives, to make your family proud, to support your loved ones for life and beyond!

Did you even know that there's a hero residing inside of you? Every once in a while, though, we come across real-life heroes. Not those whose jobs are heroic by nature, like teachers, firefighters, nurses, doctors or policemen. But your average, un-extraordinary person, who does an extraordinary deed which positively impacts someone's life. Oops, I apologise…knowing some of you I can without a shadow of a doubt proclaim you as super- extraordinary or in some case just plain weird!

Yes, I am talking to YOU! The person who heard my plea for help, not just with your eyes (by reading my blog, texts, emails) or ears (plaintive phone calls) but mostly with your HEART!

 

 

 

I THANK YOU AND I SALUTE YOU,

 

on behalf of the 100 cancer-challenged people at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, who each received a hamper filled with food and gifts on this day, Thursday, 13 December 2012.
I sincerely wish that I was eloquent enough to capture the experience in a way that you all could understand what it felt like to meet and engage with 100’s of people of various ages, race and gender. On average there about 120 patients on a daily basis at the Oncology Department. All of them dealing with the ‘Big C’ in their own indomitable way. Indomitable, since most of them have arisen at 4am to catch various taxis to get them to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, to patiently wait their turn in never-ending lines.

Even though the five dedicated Oncologists on duty only arrive at 11am from their own practices, the patients need to get in line for their blood tests, consult with their doctors and then proceed to the treatment room for their chemotherapy. Sadly, many parents have to bring their children in with them. Strewn all along the corridors outside the Oncology Department, were children of all ages, with their coloring books and crayons (handed out by the nurses), babies lying on blankets on the floor and care-givers waiting patiently to help the cancer-challengers get back home.

I have never felt so small, so insignificant in the face of the patients standing in line to receive their hampers. The very first woman, just fell into my arms crying. Her tears were those of immense gratitude at receiving a hamper valued at R 150. As the many faces passed through, faces wreathed in incredible smiles, some in pain caused by their illness and even more in tears, I realized that the 100 hampers were not anywhere near enough to alleviate the distressing situation.

My goal was to reach at least 300 people before Christmas, bestowing upon them the food hampers donated by YOU our generous Heroes. With the assistance and support of the un-winged angels of the PLWC (People Living with Cancer) Organisation, Susan Elder and Chris Olivier, YOU and I were able to make a difference in a number of peoples’ lives today.  I know that with more and more Superheroes arising, we can continue to make a difference and not just reach my goal but exceed it by far.

 

Have you ever noticed how many successful superhero movies there are? Iron Man, X-Men,  Batman; Spiderman. What makes them so powerful and popular? Is it because people like seeing good prevail over the baddies? Or do people like the idea that there are others who have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate?

Yes, so you cannot climb walls, hang upside down and kiss your girlfriend without drooling; or become invisible when you spot the nosy neighbor who wants to chat at 6 in the morning; or rescue the damsel in distress who just missed her taxi and is late for work…and so on & so on…

But do you realise how easy it is to be a hero to people in need of help? All it takes, my friend, is action. You don't need any superpowers, you don't need any special degrees, and you don't need be in government or a highly-paid CEO. All you need is a passion for helping others.

But it all starts with taking action. Will there be critics? Of course.
And never forget, that for every critic, there will be 99 success stories or more that consider you to be their hero. That's why they are critics and you are the hero.

That is the path every one of us must take. We must choose to be a leader in our life-paths, whether you are mother, a father, a teacher, a lawyer, a doctor, a butcher, a baker or a candlestick maker.  Be a leader. Add extreme value to the world and help as many people as you can. Have faith in your ability to do so. Take massive action. Never give up on what is important to you.

As tough as it might seem, you'll find out how easy it is to go from zero to Superhero in no time at all…and find it so rewarding. Make the world a better place.

To support the Hampers for Cancer-Challenged Families:

Please send me your details  (vanitha@betrained.co.za) together with the number of Hampers you would like to donate. If you would like to make a donation, in lieu of a gift, please include the details of your recipient as well.

Thank you so much! May you and your family always be blessed.
Account: VS Pillay
Bank: ABSA
Account No: 9263212140
Savings Account
Reference: Your name