‘Tis the season to reflect on what we have to be thankful for in our lives. Personally, I am thankful for each of the almost 5,000 members of our department. I am grateful that you have chosen our department as the home in which you exert your passions and exhibit your talents.
As we take stock of the blessings in our lives, it is important to consider those who have far fewer. Every day, thousands of people in Maryland and Washington, D.C., struggle to fulfill their family’s basic needs. I think many of us—whether you are faculty, staff or trainees—have pursued positions in healthcare with the desire to help, to give back to the communities where we feel a connection. Some of you may do this through scientific discovery, supporting our learners or patient care. Some of you may do this by backing causes or advocating for individuals. Together, we can to this by supporting the United Way.
The annual Johns Hopkins Medicine United Way campaign is an attempt to show gratitude and spark positive change in our communities. Since 2011, the United Way of Central Maryland has served over 15 million meals to struggling families and helped over 2,000 families facing homelessness. Your support has achieved tangible returns to our community, where community is defined by the groups most important to you—the giver. These communities include the Johns Hopkins neighborhood, the Ben Franklin Center, MERIT, AIDS Action Baltimore, Animal Allies Rescue Foundation and many, many more.
I’d like to thank those of you who have already held fundraisers and donated to the cause. Your efforts to not only contribute your own money, but inspire others to do so is unparalleled. Please keep up the good work. The JHM United Way campaign is underway until Friday, December 20.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones. Thank you for making it easy to be thankful not only this month, but all year round.
-Mark
As always, if you have an upcoming fundraiser you would like help in getting the word out about, please email [email protected].
