I recently wrote about my family’s tradition of charitable giving.  As an addendum to that article, I’d like to share a letter/ video Doctors Without Borders sent to me via email. It basically covers the impact of their efforts, all made possible by the kindness of others.

It is my hope that we will see less conflict in the coming year, but the prospects for that already appear grim. It is heartening to know that my contributions are helping reduce the pain of those who find themselves in harm’s way.

I count my lucky stars that I am blessed with a supportive network of loving family and terrific friends. The crises I have had to live through are small in comparison to what some people on this Earth face. For this reason, I do not measure my fortune in terms of dollars and cents.  I have won the lottery in my life countless times over.  I have great parents, one really awesome brother and some really great friends and colleagues.

My ultimate lottery winnings, however, center around what I come home to every night.  A loving wife and a beautiful baby boy.  With that in mind, I will always count myself as a member of the fortunate ones.  I will continue to celebrate my terrific luck by loving those I’m with and giving to those who are without.

Here is the thank you message I referred to at the top of the page.  Each doctor, nurse and support staff member who works with the patients in the video are a verifiable blessing to humanity. May God watch over and protect them in the coming year:

Thank you.

In 2013, you helped our doctors, nurses, logisticians and other staff have a powerful impact in the lives of people all over the world, many of whom had nowhere else to turn.

I hope you’ll watch this short video to see just how far your support has gone.

It is only because of independent support from donors like you that we are able to be in so many places where others cannot go – from the most remote islands of the Philippines to the frontlines in Syria and South Sudan. In these places and in more than 70 countries around the world, the medical care you make possible has meant the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of people.

I know our teams will be tested by new crises and challenges in the months to come and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you at our side as we do whatever it takes to bring lifesaving care to the people who need it most.

On behalf of our entire staff, I wish you health and happiness in 2014, and thank you once again for everything you do to support our efforts to save lives and end suffering.

Gratefully,

Sophie Delaunay
Executive Director