By Murilo Araújo, 2022-2023 president of the Rotary Club of Pacaembu and the Rotaract Club of Pacaembu, São Paulo, Brazil
Just when I thought my health had thwarted my desire to serve, I discovered I could still serve and that serving is the best medicine there is.
In 2021, I had plans, career goals, dreams, and projects waiting to be executed. But at the age of 28, I was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord. I faced many procedures and require a cane or walker to move about, among other limitations.
With any medical challenge comes fear and question. Why is this happening? What is this going to mean? How am I going to continue to do what I love most within this new reality?
On top of all these, I had accepted the presidencies of two clubs in a single Rotary year, that of my Rotaract and Rotary clubs. I was also a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team for District 4510, a DEI director for the Rotaract district, and incoming District Rotaract Representative.
But what I thought would be a bad Rotary year for the two clubs turned out to be the best of years. Through it all, my sense of belonging to both Rotary and Rotaract grew.
Often we place the greatest burden on ourselves. I struggled with thoughts that I had not accomplished all that I could have; that I had not given enough of myself.
Despite this struggle, I learned to live with my limitations. I was able to deal with things that were unseen by others and things I never imagined having to face. Even through doctor’s appointments, procedures, doses of experimental medicines, and the need to take time off to rest, I was able to be there for my club and they were always there for me.
My Rotaract club was the top giver in our district to The Rotary Foundation, and we came in second for membership growth. We took first place in the action category for our projects.
The Rotary Club of Pacaembu received recognition for our DEI committee. Also, thanks to the generous giving of our members in support of local and international projects, we were able to welcome four new Paul Harris Fellows. Giving to the Foundation was a priority, and we were able to maintain our giving levels.
I also helped my club host its first-ever Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. In 63 years of supporting the Foundation, we had never held a RYLA. I had butterflies in my stomach when it began, but when we pulled it off, it was a dream fulfilled.
Later, we were organizing a charity fair when I learned I would need to spend 15 days in intensive care. My fellow club members were there for me. They sent me photos, videos, and audio while I was in the ICU. In this way, I felt that I was not only in my hospital room but also with my Rotary family taking part in our project. In my most extreme medical challenge, I experienced my greatest sense of belonging in Rotary.
Read this blog post in Portuguese
https://blog.rotary.org/2023/08/24/serving-is-the-best-medicine/