A Gazelle Foundation Board Member Visits Several Water Projects
By Abby Roedel
Board member Dr. Danielle Sweeney had the opportunity to witness the impact of the Gazelle Foundation last summer. She spoke about the experience on April 20th at the Gazelle Foundation's Spring For The Water Ripple of Hope fundraiser. Dr. Sweeney was in Burundi for work related to IVU Med, an organization committed to making quality urological care available worldwide, and set aside a day to visit the projects the Gazelle Foundation has built. What she experienced that day was beyond words.
When Dr. Sweeney arrived at one of the villages where the Gazelle Foundation had provided clean water, she was greeted by Burundian drummers and a group of women who had prepared a play to welcome her to their home. The entire village had been waiting for her arrival. The children of the village were curious and excited, as they had never seen a white person before. The attention was overwhelming. Her visit meant so much to the people of the village. As she sat in a special seat, people holding umbrellas over her head, Dr. Sweeney felt a deep sense of gratitude for the work that Gilbert and his team had done. She saw the impact of their efforts on the faces of the people of the village. They were proud of their clean water and wanted to show their appreciation. It was a moment Dr. Sweeney will never forget.
As Dr. Sweeney drove through the isolated farmland toward Gilbert's village, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. It was like stepping into a completely different world. The farms were so well-taken care of, with vibrant fields stretching out in front of her. She arrived at the home of Gilbert's mother; the little compound was nestled in the heart of the farm, surrounded by lush greenery and filled with a sense of warmth and love. Gilbert's brother and sister live there with their families. Each family had their own home within the compound. As Dr. Sweeney gazed around in amazement, she thought about how someone who grew up in such a secluded and isolated place in the world had made it to where Gilbert was now. But what struck her the most was the sheer beauty of it all. Gilbert's family's love and care for their homes and land were evident in every corner of their property.
The story of Dr. Sweeney's visit to Burundi is a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference. Gilbert's dedication to his people has changed lives and brought hope to communities in need. The Gazelle Foundation has brought clean water to villages that had never had it before, improving health and reducing the risk of disease. The Gazelle Foundation has given the people of Burundi hope.
The work of the Gazelle Foundation is made possible by its supporters' empathy, compassion, and dedication—the qualities that allow us to make a difference in the world, help those in need, and bring hope to the rural communities of Burundi. What she experienced that day was beyond description, as gratitude is something we can't see and hold - it can only be felt. Learn more about Danielle Sweeney.
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