Do YOU want to be the reason someone smiles today?

I want that, every day of my life for the rest of my life.

On the 20 th of may I am running my first half-marathon and I am raising money to support Aashish on his life journey. Aashish has a clear vision of who he wants to become- the top blind lawyer in his country! He is so hungry for knowledge and improvement. Therefore, the donations will be first spent on a specifically adjusted laptop. The rest of the money will be invested into his law studies that should commence next year.

Let me introduce you to this special person.

Aashish is a legally blind 15 year old school kid, suffering from a chronic ear conition and being on a lifetime medication for his kidneys. He and his mother are living in a 9 sqm room and due to the expensive medicine for kidneys, are in constant growing debt.

Gorka and I met him whilst we were volunteering with ear care Nepal just a couple of months ago while we were volunteering with Ear Care Nepal ( www.earcarenepal.org), who operated Aashish’s left ear.

Now, Most of us are afraid to dream big and actually live a more meaningful life. Not Aashish.

..." You have to be passionate about your life, sister!" ...

These words have come from Aashish and I will never forget them. He does not consider his health conditions as limitations. He laughs when he needs to be operated one more time. And one more time. Commenting that it has become almost his routine.

A big dreamer he is. And the quality of a big dreamer is to see OPPORTUNITIES everywhere.

He laughs and smiles. He does not take pity, nor does he know failure. He empathises with the others and offers a constant sincere support. He speaks from his soul and touches everyone's heart who meets him. He takes full responsibility and remains standing like a solid rock when life situations hit him. He comes up with amazingly interesting statistics in various subjects, is best student at the school, wins sports competitions on district level, knows more about history and geography than even some of us in our 30s , 40s.

Why would you not encourage him to go for his dream?

He said : " Sister, I have closed you in my soul. " And I have done the same from that very instance when I met him and he took my hand. Throughout this year, I am planning to run/walk/climb/jump, to participate in all sorts of fundraising events to make his dream come true. And this is only achievable with Your care and support.

Support us, if that is a cause enough to make you smile today.

Don't be afraid to dream big like Aashish does!

Aashish underwent an ear operation performed by Dr. Milan - the founder of Ear Care Nepal (ECN,www.earcarenepal.org), an NGO fighting for the prevention of deafness among school children. Thanks for the voluntary screening conducted by the ECN at numerous public schools, Aashish's hearing loss is now prevented. I met Aashish while volunteering for ECN.