Getting Grace

I just learned of the passing of Haregewoin Teferra. Please read the letter from
Melissa Fay Greene below to catch a glimpse of this wonderful human being.

2009-03-19







Haregewoin Teferra 1946 (est.) - 2009






Dear Friends,

By now you may have learned the shocking news that Mrs. Haregewoin Teferra has died
suddenly after a short illness. We don't know what caused her death; she felt sick
for a couple of days, went to the doctor, came home without a diagnosis, felt sick
again, laid down, and that was the end. Soon I will post a blog containing beautiful,
loving, compassionate messages pouring in in tribute. Many of you kindly are asking
what you could do in her memory. Let me tell you what I will do, and each of you
can follow your hearts. A few weeks ago, Worldwide Orphans--the New York-based
organization that has provided pediatric care to Haregewoin's children for many
years--assumed responsibility and custody of her 42 HIV-positive kids. To cover
food, healthcare and medicine, education, clothing, and caregivers will cost an
estimated $4600/year per child.  I plan to do what I can to support these children;
they are precious, bright, full of fun and hope. With continued state-of-the-art
medical care and excellent nutrition and nurturing, they can have bright futures.
They can grow up healthy, go to college, have careers. If you'd like to join me in
that campaign, online contributions can be made at
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2669/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2749

Checks may be sent to:
WWO
511 Valley Street
Maplewood, New Jersey 07040

Other HIV-negative children, many of them babies and toddlers, remain at Atetegeb,
Haregewoin's foster home; their caregivers have stayed on; and the Atetegeb board
is looking to their well-being. As soon as I know how help can be offered to these
little ones, I will post that here.






At Little Atetegeb, for positive children


Haregewoin lived with these children seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for ten
years. She is irreplaceable. The youngest children, of course, have no idea what
has just happened. Please let us work together to act as foster parents in absentia
for them and to provide financial sustenance to the adults on the ground in Addis
during this transitional time. Thank you in advance for any amount you can give. 

Sincerely,
Melissa
(Author of There is no me without you)