Thursday, July 9, 2009

Hekima Place, a refuge for AIDS orphans

This story pulled me in right away because it’s such a stunning and bold account. The lede tells you that right off the bat. A woman suddenly left the country, determined to start a boarding school in Kenya for children with AIDS? I can’t imagine that. I often think stories of amazing individuals are gripping, and this was no exception. What kept me reading, however, was the sixth line of the story:

To jump-start the effort, Mrs. Fletcher, 71, withdrew $40,000 from her personal retirement fund and donated it to the venture.

I read the entire article because I wanted to know more about this incredibly selfless woman and what she has done. I think it’s a great feature piece. I also love the last line (a quote) because I think it puts the perfect cap on the portrait that’s painted of such a brave and beautiful person:

“She’s like a lady who cuts the path with a machete,” he said. “I have so much admiration for her.”

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