For over 30 years, Dr. Jim Withers has traveled to underpasses, alleyways, and tent cities serving those in need — offering free healthcare to the homeless. He would eventually travel the world, connecting with those like him, real life heroes dedicated to serving those who were very much in need. Thus began a street medicine movement, one that spanned the globe.
Diving deeper into the story we can get caught up in describing the common elements and shared characteristics of what makes a hero in our modern society. By doing so, we often lose track of the fact that people and circumstances change — that more than just one person contributes to success — and a hero’s work is never truly done.
As such, we as a society must challenge our sense of thinking about who our heroes are and the purpose they continue to serve as they continue on their life journey. This is a conversation just as much about charting new frontiers as it is about our collective ability to come to terms with the past and gather courage for the road ahead.
