Over the past seven years we have all been fortunate to make a difference in the lives of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS thanks to Dr Susanna Grannis’s commitment and hard work for the advocacy of vulnerable children in sub Sahara Africa at a time in her life when many of her peers were enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Her work with CHABHA has made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of children, bringing them opportunities for a better future.
I have had the great pleasure of learning from Susanna over the past year and a half, that showing up and caring for these children is in itself an extraordinary gift. Her love and compassion for the children and her love for the work she does on a daily basis have no boundaries. On two trips Susanna made to Rwanda during the time I lived there, it was non-stop day and night networking with organizations on behalf of the programs CHABHA supports in Rwanda and Burundi. Spending days on long bus rides, working with the leaders and visiting the homes of the children, attending gatherings and workshops, always taking notes to follow up with solutions and to keep us informed of the important work being done with the associations. Only when it was time to get back on a plane, and she had accomplished all she could do in her short visit would I see her reluctantly close her eyes and rest.
The model that Susanna, the CHABHA staff and leaders of AMAHORO, AJESOV, AGAPE and MUBAFASHEE have worked so hard on over the years has made a measurable difference in over 2700 children’s lives all on a remarkably modest budget. Our continued commitment to support the independence of these children and the support for those we have not met is important and will go on thanks to Susanna.
Continuing Susanna’s remarkable work requires renewed commitment from all of us who share the ideals and vision she has tirelessly pursued for the well-being of the children. As we begin a new phase in the life of CHABHA, and grow a unique model that has proven to be sustainable and successful, we need your help. I am asking you to make a donation to CHABHA today in honor of Susanna so that this important and vital work can continue. On behalf of the children who depend on us, I thank you.
