Aimee

Friends,

I just turned 40 this year and I'm taking part in one of the biggest challenges there is... a Spartan Race! 

I will be mentally and physically pushing myself to the limit, both in training and on race day, to help make a difference for a cause that's close to my heart and worthy of this effort.

In February, I traveled to Ghana to scout a hospital for our upcoming medical mission, where we’ll provide free head and neck surgery to the local community. This mission is a significant part of the Osborne Head and Neck Foundation’s annual efforts to bring life-changing medical care to underserved regions. While in Ghana, I also had the opportunity to visit a local foster care home, where I helped plan our impact mission, aimed at providing aid and support to vulnerable children and families in need. 

The experience of seeing the harsh realities that many people face in Ghana was deeply moving and eye-opening. This trip marks my sixth medical mission with the Foundation, having previously volunteered in Belize, India, Peru, Guatemala City, and Antigua. Each mission has been both a challenging and rewarding experience, and they continue to shape my understanding of the importance of giving back. These missions are not only physically demanding but emotionally taxing, as I witness firsthand the severe lack of basic healthcare, sanitation, and safety that many people around the world face every day. However, knowing that I have the opportunity to help and work alongside others who are equally passionate about making a difference is what keeps me motivated. 

One of the most heartbreaking experiences on this trip was witnessing a young girl trying to prostitute herself just to get food. Her desperation was a stark reminder of how severe the circumstances are for some people, especially children. At the foster care home, I learned that many of the children had been abandoned, abused, or even trafficked by their own families, leaving them with no one to turn to for help. The emotional weight of seeing these children’s pain and fear up close was devastating, and it broke my heart to know that I couldn’t do more to help them in that moment. 

But at the same time, it only strengthened my resolve to return, do what I can, and be part of a team that is working hard to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those in need. While we know we won’t be able to help everyone, I believe that even changing one life is worth the effort. I’ve committed to returning to Ghana in October, where I’ll be part of a dedicated team that will provide medical care and humanitarian aid to those who need it most. The journey won’t be easy, but the opportunity to offer hope and relief to people who have suffered so much is what drives me forward.

In addition to preparing for my upcoming mission, I’m also training for the Spartan Race, a physically and mentally demanding challenge that will test my endurance and perseverance. I often think about how difficult life must be for the people I’ve met on these missions, especially those who live in extreme poverty or are dealing with unimaginable trauma. Their strength and resilience in the face of adversity inspire me to push myself in ways I never thought possible. If these people can endure such hardship and continue to fight for a better life, then I can certainly push myself to conquer the Spartan Race and keep going when it gets tough. 

As part of my commitment to this mission, I’ve set a goal to raise $5,000, which will go directly to supporting the medical and humanitarian work we’ll be doing in Ghana. Raising awareness and funds for these important causes is critical, as it allows us to continue providing life-changing care to those in need. But beyond the financial support, I want to shed light on the struggles these communities face and advocate for a world that is more just, compassionate, and caring. This journey is about something far greater than myself; it’s about being part of the solution and doing whatever I can to help those who need it most. My hope is that by sharing my story and the work that we do through the Osborne Head and Neck Foundation, I can inspire others to get involved, support these missions, and make a real difference in the world. This is a call to action for all of us to step up, help out, and show the world that we care.

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Thanks so much for your support!

Aimee