Who is your hero?

'Heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things'. They don't seek accolades or public acknowledgement. They see either a one time need or a need that requires a life time of attention and try to do what they can to change the situation. Their deeds inspire others.

This week one of my goals was to catch up on some professional reading. As I was glancing through the National Institute of Health's magazine, spring 2007, an article caught my attention, "The Streets Are Her Waiting Room" about Dr. Janelle Goetcheus. I have known Dr. Goetcheus since the early 1980's. She is indeed one of my heroes.
For nearly 30 years she has run a health care clinic for the homeless and others in need in the Adams Morgan part of Washington, D.C. She and her staff, paid and volunteer, have worked tirelessly to provide medical assistance to the destitute. Without Dr. Goetcheus' help countless numbers of people would have suffered needlessly and many would have died an early death. This commitment to the poor extended beyond her Christ House Clinic. She and her husband with their children have lived above the clinic choosing to live a simple lifestyle among those she serves. Dr. Goetheus reminds me what one person can do to change the world, one person and one day at a time. She reminds me to embrace and live the values of my social work profession and a spiritual life.
(To read this and other informative articles, go to NIH Medline Plus spring 2007)