Liz's Dream
My roommate, Liz Durante, as long as I knew her, had a dream of going to Uganda.
She’d read about the war in the north, and desperately wanted to go and work
with the kids “over there”. So when she found the opportunity to join the group
of Vassar EMTs for the March 2008 Asayo’s Wish trip, she knew instantly that she
wanted to go, and she asked me if i would join her.
I said yes, but more, I think, out of a need to keep up with Liz than through any
serious desire to go to Uganda. Where she went, I followed, even halfway across
the world.
So we went, in March 2008. We interviewed patients on dusty mats outside the
orphanage, we counted pills into plastic bags, we rubbed the backs of sick
children who’s names we didn’t know and who’s language we didn’t speak.
As Liz put it, “we experienced the joy and shared in the grief. We Loved.”
And I liked it, but mostly I liked experiencing it with Liz, watching her
blossom into the doctor she was meant to be. I liked seeing her so completely
happy and engaged in what she was doing.
Indeed, I liked it enough that when she decided to go back the next year,
I agreed to follow her again. And when she decided not only to return, but
to return as the leader of a group of Connecticut College students, to give
others the chance to share her experience, I was willing to plan meetings,
to send emails, to lead training, to make her dream happened.
And when the car crash on the way to the airport destroyed her dream of traveling
to Uganda at the same time that it took her life, I watched her family and friends
donate to build a medical clinic in her name and considered it done. Liz wasn’t
there anymore to ask “will you come with me?”, so I didn’t plan on going. Uganda
wasn’t, after all, my dream. It was hers.
...Until one day this January when I received an email from Sarah, letting me know
that there were still spaces on this March’s trip, and then, a few hours later,
found an old run form in my car from a rugby game that Liz and I had worked together
with “Stefanie Hinman, EMT-B” written in her handwriting. I took it as a reminder
that even without her, I am an EMT, and that she expected of me, as much as she
expected of herself, to put those skills to use where they are needed. So, with much
grumbling, I signed up for this year’s trip, to see the Elizabeth Durante clinic,
and to appease her spirit. I signed up, though I fully expected to feel useless and
miserable without her there to guide me.
But when I arrived in Kaberamaido, things didn’t go as I’d expected. I organized the
clinic, I taught in the schools, I formed deeper bonds with the children, I studied
their language. I found that, even without Liz, I loved being in Kaberamaido. I loved
the people, the children, the work.
The clinic is built and stocked, for now, but the work there isn’t done. If it is to
continue to provide health care to those that need it most free of charge, It needs
a steady supply of medications and funding for health professionals salaries.
The orphanage is beautiful, the children are happy and healthy and well fed, but they
still need bigger dormitories, better schools, continued access to healthcare.
Somehow, I found myself committed to continuing to try and provide for them.
Liz’s work didn’t end with her. Liz’s dream didn’t end with her either. It continued,
and somewhere along the line, it seems to have become my own.
“I challenge you to sort through the rubble. I implore you to Love completely.
I ask you to help me and the people of Kaberamaido. Peace and Love, Liz Durante”
Children looking through the window of the Elizabeth Durante Clinic pharmacy
Hi Stefanie -
Thank you for sharing the story of your friendship with Liz and how she led you to the orphans. It was great meeting you at the orphange in March. You are a natural with the children. They had so much fun playing with you.
Thanks for writing about Liz. From your story I can hear that Liz was a loving and inspiring friend to many. She must be deeply missed.
What is amazing to me is how her love and vision continue to bless the orphans at Asayo's wish.
I was at the orphanage in March. While I was at the orphanage most evenings a little 6 year old girl curled in my lap. She is was much smaller than a healthy 6 year old would be. She would sit in silence and only rarely make eye contact with me. I learned that a year and a half ago Greta saw her mother and father slaughtered to death. She is HIV positive (we call it living positive). She is fatigued, fights infections, and is vulnerable to a wide array of health challenges. Holding her in my arms all I wanted was to comfort her and support her well-being. Now with Liz's clinic at Asayo's Wish Greta's health will be cared for. It's Liz and all those who worked so hard to make the clinic a reality that I have to thank for that. There are hundreds of children in similar conditions. The effect of Liz's love, service, and leadership is immeasurable.
Thank you Stefanie for continuing on. Liz's love and vision shines through each of the orphans she has supported, you,and all who knew her. As I mentioned, I didn't know her personally. But I am grateful for her. I am inspired by her spirit of loving and leadership that co-created a healing place for the orphans.
After being in Kaberamaido and seeing the dire need I can say that Liz's love and service to the orphans continues on. My hope is that you, her family, and friends know what gratitude is felt for her.
Rachelle Rigby
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Thank you Stefanie for sharing the story Liz's Dream. It's beauty and authenticity touched me deeply. You continue to impact the world positively. Liz's legacy and dreams also continue to positively impact the children and youth and inspire us to continue the work and build the love. With much respect and love, Tracee
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