A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived

In the spring of 2006, I accepted the position of CEO in the fledgling non-profit organization Ride for World Health.  My first duty was to assist in selecting the executive team for the 2007 Ride.  While reviewing the applications for Director of Education, one in particular stood out.  It seems she had been actively involved in a healthcare related non-profit every moment of her life since high school graduation.  A phone interview was scheduled and we spoke to an individual who was obviously passionate about eliminating healthcare inequities worldwide.  We asked her to take the education post, which she enthusiastically accepted.

I had the opportunity to meet Brooke in the summer of 2006 at our first executive committee meeting.  Based on her extensive list of involvements, I somewhat expected her to arrive with Blackberry and attitude in tow.  Instead, I met an unconditionally welcoming person with an obvious drive to improve her environment, both immediate and global.  As she pulled folded sheets of loose-leaf paper from her bag, she energetically presented her ideas to the committee on improving our educational program by providing more relevant topics in terms the non-medical community could appreciate.  As I watched her face illuminate with each new idea, it became obvious she would be a true asset to the organization.   

She sought to make connections with others and this became increasingly apparent throughout the ride.  As logistical problems arose, she was among the first to sit and brainstorm solutions.  As interpersonal disagreements occurred, she was the first to speak with both parties in attempt to reach a compromise.  Without prompting or query, she would forego leisure and sleep if her efforts were needed elsewhere. 

Since the Ride, her commitment to others had been unwavering.  She continued to provide countless hours of volunteer work for organizations such as GHAP, GHC, the Worldwide Fistula Fund, and her own medical school’s International Health Program.  During a recent volunteer mission to Kenya, Africa for the Lwala Community Alliance Safe Motherhood program, she passed away following a tragic bus accident.  This catastrophic and premature loss was truly stunning. 

Brooke exemplified one individual’s ability to improve the lives of those around her.  I ask you to join me in preserving Brooke’s memory the way I’m certain she would have preferred: by improving the lives of those in our global community, some of whom we personally know and some of whom we do not.  Whether it be a family member suffering from illness without health insurance, or an impoverished person in the Developing World without basic necessities such as shelter, food, and safety; we can each make a tangible difference. 

Brock Andreatta
Former CEO
Ride for World Health 2007