A city of vibrant streets, echoing with the sounds of bustling markets and honking horns, was about to gift me one of the most profound lessons of my life. I was nearly twelve, standing outside of the door of a children’s shelter run by CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun in Lima, Peru. My father and I had traveled thousands of miles to be here, but nothing could have prepared me for the moment that was about to unfold.
“¡HOLA!” came the cheerful voice of a young girl from a second-story window. She beamed with an energy that seemed to light up the neighbourhood. I smiled back, my spirits lifted by her enthusiasm. But my next encounter would leave me speechless.
The door to the shelter creaked open, and there stood Maurizio. He was about my age, perhaps a little younger, yet his presence carried a gravity that belied his years. Maurizio balanced on crutches, his body frail from relentless cancer treatments. One of his legs was amputated, leaving his frame startingly light, his bald head a stark testament to the battle he was fighting. He greeted us with a smile so genuine, so radiant, that it caught me off guard. How could someone who had endured so much carry such warmth? I froze, unsure of what to say. My thoughts spiraled between shock and discomfort. Maurizio’s reality was so far removed from my own suburban existence. What could I possibly offer to someone who had faced challenges I couldn’t even begin to fathom? Yet Maurizio’s smile did not waver. He didn’t see my hesitation; he saw a visitor, someone to welcome into his world.
As the day unfolded, Maurizio’s resilience became more apparent. He laughed with his friends, shared stories, and even attempted to teach me a few Spanish words. The other children at the shelter mirrored his strength. They faced their own battles with an unyielding hope that left me humbled. My complaints about restricted iPad time or struggles with math homework felt embarrassingly trivial. That afternoon, I sat in the courtyard surrounded by children’s laughter. They played games and exchanged jokes; their joy unshaken by the weight of their circumstances. It was in their presence that I began to grasp the true value of the life I had: a life filled with health, stability, and a loving family. These were treasures I was taking for granted.
Maurizio and his friends didn’t need my pity; they needed connection. They reminded me that adversity doesn’t define you, it reveals you. Their courage forced me to re-examine my own values and priorities. What had I done with the gifts I had been given? What more could I do?
Years later, I often reflect on that moment when Maurizio opened the door. His resilience shaped a foundation part of who I am today. It inspired my work as the founder of the Newman Global Initiative, where I’ve dedicated myself to addressing inequities and empowering communities. When I advocate for health equity or mentor young leaders, I carry Maurizio’s spirit with me; a reminder of what true strength and hope look like.
Lima was more than a destination on a map; it became a turning point in my life. Maurizio’s story is one I’ll never forget, not because of the challenges he faced but because of the light he exuded despite them. That light continues to guide me, a constant nudge to strive for empathy, resilience, and meaningful action in everything I do.