Donor Spotlight: Tonia Hassinger

AMPATH is extremely grateful for the support of donors such as Tim and Tonia Hassinger. The Hassingers have been supporting AMPATH since 2015 and most recently provided matching funds for AMPATH’s year-end fundraising campaign. Tonia Hassinger shares her passion for AMPATH:

With so many choices for giving, why do you choose to donate to AMPATH?

I always say that AMPATH breaks my heart and feeds my soul at the same time. There is so much work to be done that it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. But AMPATH brings together like-minded people with different life experiences who are all there to support the work by contributing their special skills or gifts. There are experienced doctors, medical students and residents as well as people who have non-medical backgrounds. AMPATH brings everyone together to dream together and make the world a better place.

Tonia Hassinger participates in a Chama cha Mamatoto (mother-child group) meeting during a visit to the AMPATH partnership in Eldoret.

Why are you passionate about AMPATH’s work?

The AMPATH partnership between Kenyans and North Americans makes AMPATH unique. I would never want to be part of an organization that went in thinking they had all the answers. One of the aspects I appreciate about AMPATH is they recognize there are no easy fixes and are willing to try new ideas and willing to admit when something doesn’t work. I can also see the vision for not just solving the immediate health care crisis, but for figuring out how to make health care services more effective so people don’t need the hospital.

What benefits do you get from your support of AMPATH?

I have met the most remarkable people who inspire and encourage me. Sarah Ellen Mamlin is at the top of that list. She is one of the most beautiful, compassionate and determined people I have ever met. She is my role model. She showed me what can be accomplished with heart, perseverance, and grace. AMPATH leaders do an amazing job of causing you to dream, even after the age of 60. Everyone who becomes part of AMPATH benefits more than they ever contribute. There is still so much work to do, but as (AMPATH founder) Joe Mamlin likes to say, “When you get overwhelmed by all there is to do, just do the thing in front of you.” For me, that is using my gifts to help some of the AMPATH dreams become reality.