Feature
Champions for children
It’s a natural attraction. People who love children choose to join an organization that loves children. Meet Sue, Yvette, and Sam. Through their careers, they have achieved recognition for helping children. But they want to do more. Of course they do. They’re Kiwanians.
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Change from the Heart
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Sam Rawlins studies diseases to educate
and protect all—especially children.
Photo by Juma Banister |
Sam Rawlins wants to help children even before they’re born. And he does.
A member of the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, the public health research scientist is troubled by the spread of HIV/AIDS but confident Kiwanis can help reduce its threat.
For years, he chased mosquitoes to battle two other diseases that preyed on children. That experience has convinced him there are parallel applications in the fight against AIDS.
“Mosquitoes are the vectors—or transmitters—of diseases like malaria and dengue fever,” he explains. “Changing human behavior to prevent transmission of those diseases is the key to overcoming them—just as it is in overcoming AIDS.”
He was more than pleased when Kiwanis’ Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District took on the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission as a district project.
“Because of the compassion and the community-outreach capabilities of Kiwanis,” he explains, “we can be agents of significant change.”
Sam’s knowledge of vector-borne diseases resulted in an invitation to become a lead author in the fourth report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) this past year. For its work, the IPCC shared the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with former US vice-president Al Gore.
So is this dedicated Kiwanian also a Nobel Laureate?
Well, yes, in a sense, Sam concedes, but quickly points out: “So are the 2,000 other scientists and many essential supporters who contribute their time and talents to the IPCC.”
Walking the walk
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Sue Cox was named a “Champion
for Children” for her dedication
to young patients.
Photo by Jeni Bernatz
Read the story behind this photo.
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Earthquake, hurricane, terrorist attack? In the most difficult situations, Sue Cox takes care of kids when they need her most.
A registered nurse whose expertise is pediatric critical care and trauma, Sue also serves as chief nurse of one of 107 disaster medical assistance teams that make up the United States National Disaster Medical System.
In that role, she has delivered emergency care to children caught in some of the worst disasters in US history, including a devastating California earthquake in 1994, the World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
As one of 10 children, Sue learned early on to step up and speak up.
Today, she talks the talk of community service and, as a member of Division 100 Miracle Miles of Quarters, San Diego club, walks the walk.
Five times a participant in “Breast Cancer 3-Day” 60-mile walks, Sue is a popular speaker at Kiwanis club meetings and community events. She is tireless in spotlighting issues of pediatric trauma, injury prevention, and community support. “I want to inspire others to get involved,” she explains.
Sue has received several awards, but one honor epitomizes her dedication. In 1995, Sue was named San Diego County’s “Champion for Children.”
And, oh yes, she’s motivated at least one new member to join Kiwanis: her husband, Conrad.
Breaking the silence
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Yvette Janvier guides autistic children to a new world
of social interaction.
Photo by Erik Guzowski |
Yvette Janvier speaks out for kids who can’t speak for themselves.
As a physician, Yvette helps autistic children discover a world that offers a simple, but elusive freedom: normal human interaction.
“We need to find the cause of autism and the treatments that work,” explains Yvette, who is medical director at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River, New Jersey, and a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Toms River. “A big challenge is in how we make a diagnosis and who does it.”
The number of children diagnosed with autism is on the rise, reported a 2007 study by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Controversy surrounding the study has increased the disorder’s public profile, which is fine with Yvette because it promotes awareness.
“The earlier autism can be identified in a child the better the chance that child can be in a regular school classroom,” she explains.
This past year, Yvette received a four-year appointment to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee of the (US) National Institute of Health.
“This work is probably among the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” she says.
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