The power of a community

The Power of Community: Finding Support in Times of Crisis Today, I want to reflect on the incredible strength and kindness that communities can offer during life’s most challenging moments. Living far from our home country, I've come to realize that while the support system back home is deeply ingrained and abundant, the sense of community we build outside of it can be just as powerful, if not more so. When Sana was first admitted for her transplant, everything happened so quickly that we barely had time to process the gravity of the situation. Suddenly, we were facing the daunting reality of needing to be near the hospital in New York, while still living in New Jersey. The daily commute simply wasn’t feasible, and we had no time to sort out living arrangements in the city. That’s when the support of our extended community came through in the most unexpected and touching ways. A friend’s sister, who lived in New York, immediately offered her home to us for two weeks. It was an incredibly generous gesture, but it turned out to be much more than that. Our days were spent entirely at the hospital, and returning to a welcoming home each night provided a level of comfort and solace that words can’t fully capture. It was a sanctuary amid the chaos, a place where we could momentarily let our guard down and recharge. During this time, another friend from Malaysia reached out. She connected us with friends of hers who owned an apartment in New York, just 20 minutes from the hospital. Though they didn’t live there full-time, they visited occasionally. Despite barely knowing us, they offered their place without hesitation. What we initially thought would be a temporary arrangement for a month extended to two and a half months. Their apartment became our home away from home, and its convenience made an unbearable situation just a little more manageable. Through countless conversations, these apartment owners became more like family to us. Their kindness and generosity reminded us that even in the busiest, most impersonal city, humanity thrives. We also had friends who would drop off food for us. In the midst of everything, food was far from our minds, but receiving a home-cooked meal felt like a blessing. It was a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we weren’t alone; people cared, and they were willing to show up for us in the most meaningful ways. As I look back on that time, my heart swells with gratitude. The support we received was more than just logistical help—it was emotional sustenance that carried us through an incredibly difficult period. In the fast-paced, often isolating environment of life in the USA, the outpouring of support from our community was a lifeline. It taught me the importance of building and nurturing a support circle, because when times are tough, that circle becomes a source of strength and resilience. In the end, it’s not just about surviving the challenges life throws our way; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the connections that help us get through them. Our community, made up of friends, friends of friends, and even strangers, came together to support us in ways we never expected. And for that, I will be forever grateful.