In Thanksgiving

Sometimes it seems that life is an uphill struggle, filled with uncertainty. Yet, there are so many things to be thankful. One of the things I am thankful for this year is something that actually gives me more hope for our future. I am reminded daily through my job that people do believe in community and selfless acts of kindness.

Since beginning my job as Donor Coordinator for the Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin, my perception of my position and where I work has changed immensely. In the beginning, I knew a bit about the Milk Bank but not the entire story. I knew we gave donor milk to babies whose moms could not provide it themselves. Being a huge proponent of breastfeeding, it took me a while to digest that we specialize in a particular population of babies: the most medically needy. These babies require pasteurized milk for their safety. If the tiniest baby has even the remotest chance of survival, we have to ensure complete and utter safety to give them that chance. I appreciate our mission now more than ever, especially after speaking to our amazing donors who are helping with this cause, some of whom have actually lost their own babies and know what it is like to be grieving.

Being a part of this mission is what gives me hope. It gives me hope that there is a sense of community survival in our society. It shows me there are altruistic people who have a vested interest in the future and the babies that will become a part of it. There are countless numbers of organizations that endeavor to make this world a better place and I am lucky to work at one.

I am thankful that there is a sense of community in this world where, despite their own struggles, people give to those in need and contribute to the betterment of society. And perhaps someday, one of the preterm babies we have distributed milk to will win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Valarie Campbell