EDIT: We've raised over $70,000 JUST IN THE LAST TEN HOURS. Thank you. Okay, six things. 1. You can make a monthly (or one-time!) donation to Partners in Health Sierra Leone at pih.org/hankandjohn (We've now passed 4,000 total donors!) 2. Read PIH Sierra Leone's annual report here: www.pihsierraleone.com/our-impact And get an overview of their work here: www.pihsierraleone.com/ 3. If you're interested in making a large donation to this project, you can join the matching fund directly by donating $2,000 or more to donate.pih.org/page/contribute/be-the-match-for-sierra-leone OR if you want to learn more/have questions, email me at sparksflyup (at) gmail. (Please do not spam this email. It is my real email address. Thanks!) 4. THANK YOU: to everyone at PIH Sierra Leone, but especially to Jon Lascher and Isata Dumbuya for getting information to me very quickly to help with this video. 5. If you're interested, here's the Looking Away video I made (more like five than six) years ago: th-cam.com/video/QNJmg4pwLBQ/w-d-xo.html 6. Also thank you to my brother for making a huge donation to this project and never once asking for any kind of acknowledgment or recognition. -John
i tried to donate from Czech republic but i need to select one of yours State/Region/Province.... i will select some random one tho ...still ... our State/Region/Province do not look like anything from America :)
I donated. If I may I'd like to make a suggestion, number of personal info question on the donation form made me very uneasy. Why ask all these name/address/email questions if I'm donating via paypal anyway. Shouldn't it be enough for me just to login to paypal and say "Yes"?
So, so true. I always think of it this way: In 1820, tuberculosis was an absolutely terrifying disease. After coughing up blood, the English poet John Keats famously told a friend, "This drop of blood is my death warrant." And it was. Most of us in rich countries now think of tuberculosis as a disease that killed 19th century poets, but in fact, TUBERCULOSIS IS STILL THE WORLD'S DEADLIEST COMMUNICABLE DISEASE. STILL. Not malaria or influenza or HIV. Tuberculosis. -John
I've been convincing myself for a long time that I was too broke and too much a student to give money to this... today I cancelled the Skillshare account I barely use, and set up a monthly donation to PIH for the same amount. Thanks for lighting the fire under my butt, John, it was much needed
As a broke college student, I can’t say how much I appreciate whenever you touch upon the power of listening as a form of giving. Not having enough to donate used to eat away at me. I hope I’ll be financially stable enough in the future to help fund projects; but, it’s things like this that remind me how important it is to remember how to truly listen and champion causes outside of myself.
It really is a form of giving! And one day when you have money to donate, that listening you have done will help orient your life and your values (and your donations) in big, big ways. So thank you for working to listen. -John
There is an internet extension called Tab for a Cause. It’s free but when you open a tab it uses the ad revenue that page generates to raise money for charity. There are multiple charities you can donate your “hearts” to, donating that money to that organization.
I wish charities didn’t have to depend on the good will of wealthier people. Imagine if supporting charities was opt-out instead of opt-in. If you had to explicitly choose not to donate, perhaps you would end up donating more and charities would have more resources.
Sierra … A few years ago I was in a similar situation. I wanted to give, but couldn't. Today I can and just finished, but now reading your post... I am going back to give a $101.01 donation in your honor - to show that your listening and desire to help did, in fact, have a direct positive impact. Thanks for your story and inspiring me to get a little bit closer to awesome. DFTBA
Indeed, that is a lie that our brains tell us. It's hard to know it's a lie when the brain is shouting it at us, but it is. There is meaning. Your being here does matter. -John
Somehow I'm seeing this video for the first time. John, your sincerity is gut-wrenching. If only you from January 2020 knew how much you and this community have raised in 3 years. Congratulations, and thank you.
Both my sister and my brother went to the nicu when they were born. The idea that maybe neither of them would be around if we weren’t so privileged to be born where we were is absolutely terrifying and awful.
Yeah, for me as well. I am so grateful that your siblings are here with us. (And also that my son is here with us, who might not have survived childbirth in an impoverished healthcare system.) -John
I was born via emergency c-section. If not for the total privilege & luck of being in the country & city that I was born in, my mother and I would have died. I will be donating as soon as I can.
This comment reminded me that I was also born via emergency c-section. It mattered so little to the outcome of my mother and my lives that I had literally forgotten. I think that the most profound aspect of privilege might be the ability to not notice or care when things like this are happening. Thank you, John, for paying attention and helping Nerdfighters do the same.
I was also born via emergency c-section, and without access to modern medical equipment and sanitary facilities my mother and I would have both died. We definitely won the privilege lottery by being born in the right place.
It's been over a year, and I can see my donations coming out of my bank account every month, but watching this again still made me burst into tears SEVERAL times, for each emotion you triggered.
I’ve been watching Hank and John work so hard to support PIH over the last several months, wishing I could contribute. And today I realized something. I spend 5 dollars on a lot of things every month. Spotify, a snack, many cups of coffee, but not a cause that matters. That just changed. I have officially signed up to give $5 a month to support maternal health. Thanks John, for being my inspiration to do more good in the world.
THat's amazing. Thank you! $5 a month will be matched to $10 a month. Over 5 years, that's $600 to support the MCoE, which is a HUGE contribution, so don't think of it as small! -John
Development projects like this can be so hard to make sustainable, but it's clear that PIH really know what they're doing to create sustainable long term solutions so that for many generations to come there will be better care for mothers and children. Thank you John and PIH for giving me hope in a world that often doesn't feel hopeful.
Yeah, it's a lot easier to build than it is to do maintenance, which is something I've learned over the years. That is indeed one of the reasons we value working with PIH so much--from Haiti to Rwanda, they have decades of experience not just building healthcare centers but also supporting them over the long term. -John
I set up a monthly donation of $5, which I can't really afford.... But I "can't really afford" it more in an "I have a decent job and fail to live within my means" way rather than in an "I will go hungry" way.... I hope that I'll be able to continuously increase the amount. Thank you for your persistent quest to decrease world suck.
When my parents tell the story of how I was born, it's told as a miracle. I came too early and would have had too many health complications to survive if I had been born at any other point in history or any other hospital. I happened to be born in a hospital with a renowned neonatal surgeon. I should have probably died and my mother should have died, but we were lucky. Even though my lungs are still too small and my heart doesn't always work right, I'm still one of the lucky ones. I don't know why some people are born to privilege and others are not. I don't know why some babies live and others don't make it. I do know that as one of the lucky ones, I have a responsibility to decrease the suffering of others, to decrease world suck.
Thank you for demonstrating that it's possible to act with responsibility & resilience in the face of guilt. So many people seem to be afraid of guilt, as if it is the worst possible emotion one can feel, but it's actually a healthy emotion if it propels you to act to use your power & resources in ways you wouldn't have otherwise.
I knew that this was really important, as a crisis and to john specifically, but I didn't UNDERSTAND until today. John, you're aren't a stranger to tragedy or loss or death but that it inspires you to work harder for change presents us all with a model for how we should respond in the face of systemic heartbreak. I was 12 when the first Looking Away was posted and I understood to the best of my ability then. This video might be the bridge between seeing and issue and feeling an issue, between knowing and understanding. In a world where we're constantly being bombarded with atrocity, it's a feat to access empathy we've long learned to dull the pain from.
i was completely shocked when i clicked on the 'response' notif and saw "reply from vlogbrothers". i was happy receiving a nice comment from someone but seeing a second comment from john im a little dumbfounded? when someone you love to hear from says the same to you it's even more special and validating. ive been having a pretty rough time and doubting what Im doing/questioning my direction on top of it. and this helped. perks of watching 38 minutes after upload, i suppose. DFTBA
I'm surprised by the lack of people noting that this video is longer than 4 minutes, calls for punishment (none that I have seen), or even saying "It's ok, we'll treat this as educational") Definitely an important topic.
Thank you for this video John. And thank you for your attention to Sierra Leone. There is this episode of the West Wing, where CJ is talking to a billionaire and he asks where he should place his billions to help the African continent the most. And she said 'Make roads' because its hard to fundraise for something so essential but complicated because it is long term and without the urgency of immediacy. I think about that episode all the time. Particularly when I'm asking myself, where should I spend my attention and money and privilege, and usually I find that it is where it is easy or desirable to look away from... I am so consistently reassured that by my giving money to this PIH, I am helping something that deeply matters. My mother and brother would probably be dead if we hadn't have had the access to healthcare that we do. I am grateful for that privilege and becoming more and more aware of the responsibility that it is. I need to stop looking away. Thanks again John.
John, you cannot hold yourself responsible for the babies you couldn't save; there are so many historical and economic and geopolitical factors at play here that are more powerful than any person or any group of people. But you CAN take some responsibility for all the babies that you DID save, and the fact that you're taking that legacy forward as a proof of concept that you can save even more babies in the face of the odds is inspiring and beautiful and we are so proud of you, and so honoured to be a part of your work.
I think even though these kinds of videos are hard to watch, and I'm sure very hard to make, they seem like some of the most important of all of vlogbrothers. Thank you for raising awareness John and showing how far a place can come in only a few years. I can't wait to see what 5 years from now it looks like
Love that you show the bilirubin lights at 2:31 - treatment for newborn jaundice can prevent kernicterus, which is a easily preventable with proper treatment. I have kernicterus which resulted in my severe cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy. My disability could have been easily prevented with a simple $1 blood test and treatment. Yes it happened in the United States - but it shouldn't happen anywhere. Thanks for the work you do, John and Hank!
Thank you for encouraging me to stop looking away. Just made a $5 monthly donation. Once I'm out of college and can afford more I intend to increase that donation. As soon as my roommate's home from class I will be telling her about this as well. Thank you so much for the work you do and for encouraging the rest of us and giving us the opportunity to make a positive impact however we can
Thank you so much! That $5 will be matched to $10, which over 5 years will mean $600 toward better maternal and child care in SL. That will go a VERY LONG WAY in Kono, so thank you! -John
John, you need to know that you are a great person. I can tell you're really wrestling with a lot of guilt and I totally understand that. Good people always wrestle with the fact they could do more to help those around them. I'm here to tell you that you're a beautiful person and should feel no guilt. You've spread love and joy to millions while also helping those less fortunate. You're a shining beacon of hope that many of us look towards for inspiration and love. I know you likely won't see this John, but we love you. To be loved by someone you've never met is likely a feeling most people will never understand, so I won't pretend to know how you feel. But just know that no matter what, you...are...loved. Thank you John.
Jeez, this was really lovely. Thanks. And yes, it's important to wrestle with how to do more. (And also important for me to find ways to do more. That stuff should be ongoing. Anyway, thanks again.) -John
@@vlogbrothers You're very welcome sir. :-) Me: One of my personal heroes just responded to one my my TH-cam Comments! *swoon* Wife: Which one?! Conan O'Brien or John Green?! Me: John Green! Wife: The one I like! Me: You don't like Conan? You don't think he's awesome and hilarious? Wife: We need to talk...
I have never seen John more persuasive than he is in these videos. The good that he wants to achieve and the care that he's put into doing so simply speak volumes.
Thank you so much for turning this ongoing tragedy into something we can touch. With a few clicks, I signed up to donate monthly. I think about how every single person is so rare, so unlikely, so unique, about the irreplaceable universe contained in the experience of each human being, and the idea of that universe being ripped away before a child even has the chance to live is heartbreaking. It's unimaginable. With consequences so drastic and a solution so simple-- click click click sacrifice the price of a coffee-- the decision to donate was a no-brainer for me, and that's only because you two made it possible, and because you're here keeping me accountable for my privilege, along with thousands of others. Because of you, we can help change the world. Thank you.
Absolutely remarkable is an absolutely remarkable phrase and I am absolutely remarking everything from now on using this absolutely remarkable phrase from today
I see a lot of people saying they give $5 a month since they spend that much on lattes or whatever - and it really struck a chord. So $5 a month it is, and well worth it. PIH is an incredible charity, and I am happy to add a monthly contribution to whatever profits go to them from the Life's Library subscription (which I love)
John, apart from the direct good you and Hank do for those in need, you have also done an unmesaruble amount of good by inspiring a whole generation to be better. I know I wouldn't be nearly as kind or as giving if it wasn't for your example. So thank you for all the years of inspiration and let's make the world a better place together.
As a young woman who wants to have kids someday, the knowledge of how needlessly dangerous it is for other women to do so is shocking and upsetting in a very visceral way. Thank you for shedding light on it, and providing a tangible way to help. Whether you feel like you’re doing enough, you are doing something (and enabling others to do so), and that is to be applauded.
As someone who has neither the time nor the attention to spread to issues like these on a daily basis (however much I wish I could - life is insanely busy as a student) I could not possibly look away when someone actively asks me to listen like this. I wish I could do more to help. And someday, when I have the resources to do more than simply survive, I will.
Thank you for your hard work to make this world a better place, and inspiring others to do their bit. And making me acutely aware that if can afford to impulsively buy a new dress that I really don't need, I can afford to donate an equal amount to help others.
I'm reminded of the privilege I had during childbirth when I needed an emergency c-section, and there was no wait. It just happened. Wow. This video took my breath away.
Yeah, I think the average Decision to Incision time in most wealthy countries is under 30 minutes. They are working so hard at KGH to make emergency c-sections safe and effective, and I really hope that in five years there will be many more stories like yours in Sierra Leone. (And I'm so glad you were able to get excellent care!) -John
I made the choice to take a class on the anthropology of reproduction this semester in school. I'm an anthropologist, and truly it is one of the more important areas for contemporary anthropology. We do a lot of talk about Reproductive Justice, and how we MUST look at Reproductive Justice, and Reproductive Rights, in the context of their systemic flaws, not simply as individual isolated thoughts. Hearing you talk, about this project in Sierra Leone, over the past years inspired me to a place where I could take this class, and it is my intention to do my term project on this partnership, where it came from, where it's going, how it helped, and on the human moments like this, like looking away out of dispair and guilt. Thank you for putting in the attention of more something so important.
I started watching vlogbrothers in 2008, when I was one year out of college and struggling financially (and overall). Now I'm in my mid-30s and a SINK. My plans for a family didn't pan out, but pregnant women worldwide deserve access to medically-assisted pregnancies and deliveries, and no child should die due to a lack of money/access to healthcare. I just signed up for a recurring monthly donation. Thanks, John.
I'm a college graduate who just got her first real job, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to donate!!! Thank you for this video John!
John, you are one of my favorite humans. Your dedication to continually look at the places where you fail to live up to your potential for good inspires me to do the same. I also stand on a mountain of privilege. I was sent to the best schools, the best doctors, the best therapists while so many billions lack even basic resources. I know that my lifestyle is only possible because of systems of inequality that I knowingly and unknowingly take part in. Despite all of these wicked complex problems, you're showing me, and millions of others a way forward to a better future for us all.
This video inspired me to go fill out volunteer applications with my local women's shelter and humane society. I've been meaning to do it for ages but hadn't gotten around to it. It literally took me about a half hour - I can't believe I've been putting it off for so long. Maybe it was my way of looking away. I can't donate money, but I can donate my time. Thank you.
@@vlogbrothers I just signed up for my orientation at the women's shelter and then I see you responded! Is this kismet?! I've been watching your channel for years, you just made my day 😭
As a student, I wish I could contribute monetarily, but I really appreciate how, with videos like this and the OG Looking Away 5 years ago, you emphasize the importance of simply giving critical issues attention. I'm going to share the donate link absolutely everywhere I can think of and educate myself as much as possible. Thanks for making huge, complex, systemic issues seem a little more approachable, John.
Hey Nerdfighters, I’ve been watching these two butts since 2009. Oof. I’ve read Johns books and listened to Hanks songs but I’ve never really...supported ya know? Each year, each fundraiser, each opportunity to be apart of something larger, I’ve said no, all in my own quite way. But tonight, my friend took me out dinner. She didn’t have to, her family lives in China, so she’s got plenty on her plate. But she took me out anyway. She took me out and told me that she supported me and my theatre work. So, I donated the money that I saved because good ideas need support. I’ll donate 50 bucks for the rest of the year because f*ck it those people need help. Thanks butts for all your work.
You manage to strike a beautiful and necessary balance between hope and urgency, self-forgiveness and self-accusation. We need to find a way to take personal responsibility for all that we've failed to do, without becoming paralyzed by guilt or shame. Thank you.
I wish this much effort was devoted to, and continued, so that those who have served can be healed mentally, can be made to walk again, can be made to hold again, can be made to listen again, can be made to see again, and can be removed from the streets permanently. Bloom where you are planted, and care for your own garden first.
It's especially discouraging that it can still happen in the USA (mostly due to costs) as if "we can't even help our own people so how will it get better" These videos help me keep at least some optimism though; not only does the project benefit specific areas, but I believe it benefits everyone as people learn that being alive is not an economic decision and should not have a price While this is a somewhat US-centric idea it seems to affect a lot of how these issues are handled; by no means do I mean to take attention away from situations like that in Kono
I almost couldn't watch this. My little 5 month old son is playing on my lap, and the idea that he might not be here if I was less privileged is devistating to me. Thank you for you work.
I applaud you and Hank for being exactly the kind of people that I would hope to achieve fame and fortune: generous, attentive, and looking for every opportunity to use your platform in support of others. In the 13 years I’ve been watching you, you set an example that has taught me to be more compassionate to my fellow people. Thank you
These problems remain hard, but it’s been wonderful to watch these updates - this community growing into a force for good in the world has been one of my principal joys of my internet life.
This video hit me so hard. My son was born 6 weeks premature via emergency c-section and spent his first 7 weeks in the NICU. From when they decided I needed a c-section to when it happened was about 5 minutes. I can't imagine having to wait 1-3 hours. I don't know if my son would have survived that long; he barely survived as it was. I am so lucky and grateful that I live in a nation with quality national healthcare and could get the care my son and I needed. I wish I had more resources to help with the PIH project, but I will see what I can do, whether that's to make a small donation or try to spread the message to others, or both.
Thank you for pointing out that we don’t have to look away. Thank you for bringing this to the front of my consciousness. Thank you for helping me let this matter to me. What a joy it is to know that you’re doing something that matters. Thank you for the thing you’re doing.
Thank you for using your platform in the way that you have. It's so important. Your books are amazing and have touched me greatly since I started reading them more than a decade ago, but it's your work to help others that I find truly inspiring.
Man, you made me cry with this. I will give all the attention I can spare to those in need of it. I will give all the time I can spare to those in need of it. When I can, I will give all the money I can spare to those in need of it. when I can...
Sometimes I can hardly believe what nerdfightaria has become. Since I was in middle School, I have watched so many creators on this platform grow up. Jenna Marbles, Shane Dawson, and Hank and John. Their content has all shifted over the years. But it has truly been a gift to be able to watch people grow and change in real time. It gives me hope to see how some of the creators who have been on the platform for years choose to spend their time and money. People who have been given wealth and fame by viewers on this platform, and they choose to do good things with it. The incredible thing about vlogbrothers is that they have let the community grow up with them. This channel and this fandom have always been and continue to be a collaboration between fans and creators to do truly good things.
I always appreciate these videos. They manage to blend talking about what is happening, as heartbreaking and devastating as it may be, while still reminding me that people are still good. That people actually are trying. Thanks, John.
I'm a student now, but I made a $15 donation during the PFH. I wish I could have made a larger donation, but it's the best I could do. However, I will be a full time software engineer next fall, and I cannot wait to start supporting PIH more!!!
I cannot afford to donate myself, but I will exhaustively seek whatever donations I can from friends, family, and of course absolute strangers! Thanks for the inspiration, John!
This video got me because I was born from an emergency C-section, and both my twin and I spent significant amounts of time in the NICU. My twin, mom, and I all would have died if we had lived in Sierra Leone. I've been meaning to start my $10 monthly donation to PIH for a while, but this video gave me the kick to finally get out my credit card and do it.
This video finds me at an interesting time. I am a medical student in the UK and am currently on my obstetrics rotation. Many of the cases I have seen in recent weeks have been medically complicated, but by and large these women have eventually left the hospital healthy in themselves and with a healthy baby. I am reflecting on the fact that if, by chance, these women were born elsewhere then they may not have been so lucky. Thanks for once again broadening my world view John.
Six years ago, I was badly struggling with my mental health and I watched the first Looking Away video. I found it painful but helpful. I shared it to Facebook and encouraged friends and family to watch it. Six years later, I am being properly treated for my mental illness and having more good days than bad ones, but still struggling with the how much suffering there is everywhere. This video feels like fate, even though I'm not a believer. Thank you, John and Hank (whoops, Hank and John, sorry), for always being there through my mental health journey and for helping me more than you realise. I am so grateful. Your videos always touch on the things I am struggling with and help me feel so much less alone. DFTBA, because you guys really really are :D
Charity has a certain FOMO that comes with it. But it isn't Fear Of Missing Out of a social scene--it's missing out on helping where help is needed. And the help is always needed, but the FOMO doesn't kick in until we recognize that there's a need. You have awoken us to a need, which we as nerdfighters now recognize, so thank you for giving us the opportunity to recognize it. But more importantly, thank you for helping the worthy and wonderful people of Sierra Leone.
Your passion and dedication to making the world a better place inspires me everyday. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not doing enough, not donating, not being loud enough about the important issues, but you make me feel like any little I do can have a positive, big impact. Thank you!
First, thank you so much John, for the work that you do. I appreciate your willingness to look at systemic problems, even when they seem huge and intractable. A possible angle for fundraising: I recently auctioned some crocheted items I made to support my school's student need fund (we use it for winter clothing, work uniforms, books and tools for our kids who need some extra help). Would it be possible for crafty people in Nerdfighteria to do something similar? Turn it into a specific event where people are all bidding at the same time? I know it helps people to have something tangible in return for their donation, and I know there are a lot of really talented people in this community.
Very good idea! We have a somewhat analogous project during the p4a called the nerdfighter art perk, which we've kept from doing as a bidding for specific items thing just because back when we used to do that it was very hard/complicated. But it's worth looking into. Thanks for the idea! -John
I might not have a lot of money- but boy do I know how to make stuff. I will make all the things should you ask me too (I also work at a craft store so I get supplies pretty cheap)
@@vlogbrothers My husband is an artist, and we've donated art prints to various causes over the years (most recently for climate action.) If you go ahead with this, we're in.
As a nursing student with a current job in labor and delivery and hopefully a job after I graduate, these videos overwhelm me with tears. It has been a huge goal of mine to help out there in some way. I’m not sure what that looks like yet but it’s so important to me.
Michael! I sent you a thank you note but it got returned! Email me your current address! sparksflyup at gmail. (Unless you are not the person who donated to the matching fund!) -John
Thank you for this John. I knew this was something important, but this really made me think about how important. I would not be alive if I had been born in the facilities in Sierra Leone. Many people I know may not have either. I have set a reminder to donate once I sort out my fortnightly finances. Thank you, thank you. This video really hit home and I want to help make it better.
I am currently unable to donate at this moment but I have been planning on making donations later this year and donating more in general. PIH is one I will be donating to.
I'm 19 now, but I've seen so much throughout my years and still have so much to see. I've met people who lived on the streets. I watched as people went through the trash to find something to eat. I see these things and almost can't live anymore. It cuts my heart like cold steel. Although my family is struggling, we still scrape together whatever we have and send the money over to a poor country. There, we have friends and family who hand distribute what we sent to those who are in need. We provide food, clothing, and anything else we can. We fund the education for kids who can't afford to go to school. Lately, times are really rough. We are very close to declaring bankruptcy, but we still send anything that we can. So many families depend on us, and we can't stand to let them down. I just wish my family and I could do more.
I cried during the video and then reading the comments I'm crying again. Ya'll are wonderful human beings. Together we are truly changing the world. Thanks for the reminder of how interconnected we are. How, when we come together and pay attention together, we can create solutions together.
guilt is one of those emotions that never really goes away, no matter what. it’s frustrating to hear others tell you that you’re not to blame for something, because you will never stop feeling like you are, so i won’t. john, i just wanted to say that i think you’re an incredibly kind, empathetic, and generous person. you’re doing all you can to help, and, to me, that’s what matters. thank you for all the good you put into the world. p.s. i convinced my friends to donate their lunar new year money to pih with me!
I'm a medical laboratory technician in the great state of Iowa. Because of your efforts, John, at work I often think about how the labs in these hospitals work, what supplies they have, what supplies they go without, and what it would be like to work there. I'm thinking about it more and more. When my kids are grown and leave the nest I'd love to learn more about how to help. Not just with money, but with my actually going there.
I can't donate a thing, but I appreciate your existence so much. Thank you for doing good and raising the vibe in general and thank you for taking on this project specifically, I know it'll change lives for the much better.
Thank you for talking about this across a number of videos, I'm going to start donating. I don't know why I hadn't before other than the fact that I also wasn't treating this as an emergency. I've been thinking about the principle of tithing and I think I'm going to try to scale up to 10% of my income being donated to important work like this.
Thank you so much! Hank and I are longtime fans of the practice of secular tithing (or in my case somewhat nonsecular tithing, I guess), and it's great to hear you'll be joining us in supporting PIH! -John
Thank you for this story. In 2016 I stayed in Rwanda for some months, where it was easier to look away, too. I saw suffering people in public hospitals. Only the private clinics had enough supplies to give actual care. There's a long way to make change part of a society that is so poor. In hindsight I realize now I wasn't part of the solution to systematic change, we mostly helped temporarily. I'm glad you're giving people a platform, a way to be part of good change, as it's sometimes difficult to find that yourself.
Thank you for all you have done, the impact that you are having on the world is beautiful and there are going to be many children that will become adults that will make impacts on this world. The ripple will continue until the end of the Anthropocene. Thank you for all you do.
I was born via c-section. My mother was 14 and I was 10lbs. We wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for the resources we have in the US that I take for granted. I am just a college student on scholarship and I have no money now but I know I am still more privileged and I know that watching videos like this and being aware of the problems at hand will help others for a better future.
When I was born in 1995 I was three months premature and was technically too small to be resuscitated (15 ounces) however I was born at a great hospital in Southern California so me and my Mom who was in a coma due to preeclampsia survived. Now as a disabled adult my income is small however I hope my story might help people who can donate know how much lives can be saved by surviving maternity health.
John, I started reading your books about two years ago and I recently discovered your youtube channel. Big fan here. I just wanted to say that what you're doing is great. You're making the perfect use of your time, money and attention. It always feels like we could've done better, but you did what you could and we nerdfighters really respect that. You're not just a great writer, you're also an awesome person with a big heart filled with love and generosity for humanity. Be kind to yourself. We love you. -Nerdfighter from Pakistan.
Thank you. Thank you for caring and for giving simple calls to action. Sometimes the tasks seem far too big to find a way to quickly give of ourselves to make a difference.
Actually more like five; I'm very bad at math. But thanks for the kind words. The projects that video helped sponsor are--or at least were very recently--still providing clean water solutions to thousands of people! -John
EDIT: We've raised over $70,000 JUST IN THE LAST TEN HOURS. Thank you. Okay, six things. 1. You can make a monthly (or one-time!) donation to Partners in Health Sierra Leone at pih.org/hankandjohn (We've now passed 4,000 total donors!)
2. Read PIH Sierra Leone's annual report here: www.pihsierraleone.com/our-impact And get an overview of their work here: www.pihsierraleone.com/
3. If you're interested in making a large donation to this project, you can join the matching fund directly by donating $2,000 or more to donate.pih.org/page/contribute/be-the-match-for-sierra-leone OR if you want to learn more/have questions, email me at sparksflyup (at) gmail. (Please do not spam this email. It is my real email address. Thanks!)
4. THANK YOU: to everyone at PIH Sierra Leone, but especially to Jon Lascher and Isata Dumbuya for getting information to me very quickly to help with this video.
5. If you're interested, here's the Looking Away video I made (more like five than six) years ago: th-cam.com/video/QNJmg4pwLBQ/w-d-xo.html
6. Also thank you to my brother for making a huge donation to this project and never once asking for any kind of acknowledgment or recognition. -John
Thank you John (and Hank).
i tried to donate from Czech republic but i need to select one of yours State/Region/Province.... i will select some random one tho ...still ... our State/Region/Province do not look like anything from America :)
Thank you for this video and your partnership, John, and thank you to the 3000+ people supporting maternal health in Sierra Leone.
Is there a way to donate from Ireland?
I donated. If I may I'd like to make a suggestion, number of personal info question on the donation form made me very uneasy. Why ask all these name/address/email questions if I'm donating via paypal anyway. Shouldn't it be enough for me just to login to paypal and say "Yes"?
"The future is here, it's just not well distributed"
So, so true. I always think of it this way: In 1820, tuberculosis was an absolutely terrifying disease. After coughing up blood, the English poet John Keats famously told a friend, "This drop of blood is my death warrant." And it was. Most of us in rich countries now think of tuberculosis as a disease that killed 19th century poets, but in fact, TUBERCULOSIS IS STILL THE WORLD'S DEADLIEST COMMUNICABLE DISEASE. STILL. Not malaria or influenza or HIV. Tuberculosis. -John
I've been convincing myself for a long time that I was too broke and too much a student to give money to this... today I cancelled the Skillshare account I barely use, and set up a monthly donation to PIH for the same amount. Thanks for lighting the fire under my butt, John, it was much needed
As a broke college student, I can’t say how much I appreciate whenever you touch upon the power of listening as a form of giving. Not having enough to donate used to eat away at me. I hope I’ll be financially stable enough in the future to help fund projects; but, it’s things like this that remind me how important it is to remember how to truly listen and champion causes outside of myself.
It really is a form of giving! And one day when you have money to donate, that listening you have done will help orient your life and your values (and your donations) in big, big ways. So thank you for working to listen. -John
There is an internet extension called Tab for a Cause. It’s free but when you open a tab it uses the ad revenue that page generates to raise money for charity. There are multiple charities you can donate your “hearts” to, donating that money to that organization.
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I wish charities didn’t have to depend on the good will of wealthier people. Imagine if supporting charities was opt-out instead of opt-in. If you had to explicitly choose not to donate, perhaps you would end up donating more and charities would have more resources.
Sierra … A few years ago I was in a similar situation. I wanted to give, but couldn't. Today I can and just finished, but now reading your post... I am going back to give a $101.01 donation in your honor - to show that your listening and desire to help did, in fact, have a direct positive impact. Thanks for your story and inspiring me to get a little bit closer to awesome. DFTBA
Sitting here, asking myself: HOW, John, being a cryer you are, did you manage to film this video without sheding a tear?!??
Anyway ... thankyou.
I don't think he did
His voice gets shaky at one point
He said he took cry breaks.
I cried a lot; I just cut it out of the video. :) -John
The jumpcuts hide the tears
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Y’all never fail to make me realize the world isn’t as meaningless as it feels on my bad mental health days so thanks for that.
Indeed, that is a lie that our brains tell us. It's hard to know it's a lie when the brain is shouting it at us, but it is. There is meaning. Your being here does matter. -John
@@vlogbrothers You always find such beautiful words. Thank you so much.
Nemo Forvermore He should really be a novelist.
@@mariewikiwaka3851 definitely!
Speaking of being being good with words, your comment verbalized perfectly why I watch/listen to Green Bro’s stuff.
Somehow I'm seeing this video for the first time. John, your sincerity is gut-wrenching. If only you from January 2020 knew how much you and this community have raised in 3 years. Congratulations, and thank you.
As a premature baby who now works three floors down from the NICU in which he was born, thank you.
Both my sister and my brother went to the nicu when they were born. The idea that maybe neither of them would be around if we weren’t so privileged to be born where we were is absolutely terrifying and awful.
Yeah, for me as well. I am so grateful that your siblings are here with us. (And also that my son is here with us, who might not have survived childbirth in an impoverished healthcare system.) -John
I was born via emergency c-section. If not for the total privilege & luck of being in the country & city that I was born in, my mother and I would have died. I will be donating as soon as I can.
This comment reminded me that I was also born via emergency c-section. It mattered so little to the outcome of my mother and my lives that I had literally forgotten. I think that the most profound aspect of privilege might be the ability to not notice or care when things like this are happening. Thank you, John, for paying attention and helping Nerdfighters do the same.
@@beckyakidd Same with my and my mother. She also needed a blood transfusion to survive.
I was also born via emergency c-section, and without access to modern medical equipment and sanitary facilities my mother and I would have both died. We definitely won the privilege lottery by being born in the right place.
It's been over a year, and I can see my donations coming out of my bank account every month, but watching this again still made me burst into tears SEVERAL times, for each emotion you triggered.
If everyone with wealth was a quarter the man John is, the world would be a much, much better place.
I’ve been watching Hank and John work so hard to support PIH over the last several months, wishing I could contribute. And today I realized something. I spend 5 dollars on a lot of things every month. Spotify, a snack, many cups of coffee, but not a cause that matters. That just changed. I have officially signed up to give $5 a month to support maternal health. Thanks John, for being my inspiration to do more good in the world.
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THat's amazing. Thank you! $5 a month will be matched to $10 a month. Over 5 years, that's $600 to support the MCoE, which is a HUGE contribution, so don't think of it as small! -John
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This means so much to us, Katie. Thank you!
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That video is 6 years old? I remember it so well and still think about it regularly
That's really nice to hear. (Also it turns out it is more like five years old. I'm bad at math.) -John
Development projects like this can be so hard to make sustainable, but it's clear that PIH really know what they're doing to create sustainable long term solutions so that for many generations to come there will be better care for mothers and children. Thank you John and PIH for giving me hope in a world that often doesn't feel hopeful.
Yeah, it's a lot easier to build than it is to do maintenance, which is something I've learned over the years. That is indeed one of the reasons we value working with PIH so much--from Haiti to Rwanda, they have decades of experience not just building healthcare centers but also supporting them over the long term. -John
I set up a monthly donation of $5, which I can't really afford....
But I "can't really afford" it more in an "I have a decent job and fail to live within my means" way rather than in an "I will go hungry" way.... I hope that I'll be able to continuously increase the amount.
Thank you for your persistent quest to decrease world suck.
When my parents tell the story of how I was born, it's told as a miracle. I came too early and would have had too many health complications to survive if I had been born at any other point in history or any other hospital. I happened to be born in a hospital with a renowned neonatal surgeon. I should have probably died and my mother should have died, but we were lucky. Even though my lungs are still too small and my heart doesn't always work right, I'm still one of the lucky ones. I don't know why some people are born to privilege and others are not. I don't know why some babies live and others don't make it. I do know that as one of the lucky ones, I have a responsibility to decrease the suffering of others, to decrease world suck.
I have a similar story to my birth, and feel the same way. Thank you for putting it so well.
Thank you for demonstrating that it's possible to act with responsibility & resilience in the face of guilt. So many people seem to be afraid of guilt, as if it is the worst possible emotion one can feel, but it's actually a healthy emotion if it propels you to act to use your power & resources in ways you wouldn't have otherwise.
Thinking about this video today.
I knew that this was really important, as a crisis and to john specifically, but I didn't UNDERSTAND until today. John, you're aren't a stranger to tragedy or loss or death but that it inspires you to work harder for change presents us all with a model for how we should respond in the face of systemic heartbreak. I was 12 when the first Looking Away was posted and I understood to the best of my ability then. This video might be the bridge between seeing and issue and feeling an issue, between knowing and understanding. In a world where we're constantly being bombarded with atrocity, it's a feat to access empathy we've long learned to dull the pain from.
This such a beautiful comment. Thank you. (And thanks for sticking with us since you were 12!) -John
You seem like an amazing person, this comment was very touching ❤️
i was completely shocked when i clicked on the 'response' notif and saw "reply from vlogbrothers". i was happy receiving a nice comment from someone but seeing a second comment from john im a little dumbfounded? when someone you love to hear from says the same to you it's even more special and validating. ive been having a pretty rough time and doubting what Im doing/questioning my direction on top of it. and this helped. perks of watching 38 minutes after upload, i suppose. DFTBA
Video: more than 4 minutes long.
Me: *this is extremely important*
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I'm surprised by the lack of people noting that this video is longer than 4 minutes, calls for punishment (none that I have seen), or even saying "It's ok, we'll treat this as educational")
Definitely an important topic.
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Thank you for this video John. And thank you for your attention to Sierra Leone.
There is this episode of the West Wing, where CJ is talking to a billionaire and he asks where he should place his billions to help the African continent the most. And she said 'Make roads' because its hard to fundraise for something so essential but complicated because it is long term and without the urgency of immediacy. I think about that episode all the time.
Particularly when I'm asking myself, where should I spend my attention and money and privilege, and usually I find that it is where it is easy or desirable to look away from...
I am so consistently reassured that by my giving money to this PIH, I am helping something that deeply matters. My mother and brother would probably be dead if we hadn't have had the access to healthcare that we do. I am grateful for that privilege and becoming more and more aware of the responsibility that it is. I need to stop looking away.
Thanks again John.
John, you cannot hold yourself responsible for the babies you couldn't save; there are so many historical and economic and geopolitical factors at play here that are more powerful than any person or any group of people. But you CAN take some responsibility for all the babies that you DID save, and the fact that you're taking that legacy forward as a proof of concept that you can save even more babies in the face of the odds is inspiring and beautiful and we are so proud of you, and so honoured to be a part of your work.
Watching for a second time, crying a little for a second time, then sending to everyone I know
Thanks! I had to take a few cry breaks while filming to be honest. -John
vlogbrothers it was when you were so choked up that I started crying too. Keep caring deeply, John. It matters so much ❤️
John, Thank you for your commitment to creating a culture of urgency and philanthropy.
Oh I like that phrase "culture of urgency" very much!! I AM GOING TO STEAL IT. :) -John
I think even though these kinds of videos are hard to watch, and I'm sure very hard to make, they seem like some of the most important of all of vlogbrothers. Thank you for raising awareness John and showing how far a place can come in only a few years. I can't wait to see what 5 years from now it looks like
Thanks. I can't wait either! -John
Thankful to hear about all the progress bring made. It was probably not the best decision to watch this while 37 weeks pregnant. Currently sobbing.
Love that you show the bilirubin lights at 2:31 - treatment for newborn jaundice can prevent kernicterus, which is a easily preventable with proper treatment. I have kernicterus which resulted in my severe cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy. My disability could have been easily prevented with a simple $1 blood test and treatment. Yes it happened in the United States - but it shouldn't happen anywhere. Thanks for the work you do, John and Hank!
Wow, I did not know any of that (including that I was showing bilirubin lights). Thank you for sharing this information with us! -John
Thank you for encouraging me to stop looking away. Just made a $5 monthly donation. Once I'm out of college and can afford more I intend to increase that donation. As soon as my roommate's home from class I will be telling her about this as well. Thank you so much for the work you do and for encouraging the rest of us and giving us the opportunity to make a positive impact however we can
Thank you so much! That $5 will be matched to $10, which over 5 years will mean $600 toward better maternal and child care in SL. That will go a VERY LONG WAY in Kono, so thank you! -John
Wow really good initiative. Maternal death is a massive issue in our country. I hope you get to go back to the hospital to give an update. Keep it up
John, you need to know that you are a great person. I can tell you're really wrestling with a lot of guilt and I totally understand that. Good people always wrestle with the fact they could do more to help those around them. I'm here to tell you that you're a beautiful person and should feel no guilt. You've spread love and joy to millions while also helping those less fortunate. You're a shining beacon of hope that many of us look towards for inspiration and love.
I know you likely won't see this John, but we love you. To be loved by someone you've never met is likely a feeling most people will never understand, so I won't pretend to know how you feel. But just know that no matter what, you...are...loved.
Thank you John.
Jeez, this was really lovely. Thanks. And yes, it's important to wrestle with how to do more. (And also important for me to find ways to do more. That stuff should be ongoing. Anyway, thanks again.) -John
@@vlogbrothers You're very welcome sir. :-)
Me: One of my personal heroes just responded to one my my TH-cam Comments! *swoon*
Wife: Which one?! Conan O'Brien or John Green?!
Me: John Green!
Wife: The one I like!
Me: You don't like Conan? You don't think he's awesome and hilarious?
Wife: We need to talk...
What a kind and thoughtful comment! I couldn't agree more :)
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I have never seen John more persuasive than he is in these videos. The good that he wants to achieve and the care that he's put into doing so simply speak volumes.
Thank you so much for turning this ongoing tragedy into something we can touch. With a few clicks, I signed up to donate monthly. I think about how every single person is so rare, so unlikely, so unique, about the irreplaceable universe contained in the experience of each human being, and the idea of that universe being ripped away before a child even has the chance to live is heartbreaking. It's unimaginable. With consequences so drastic and a solution so simple-- click click click sacrifice the price of a coffee-- the decision to donate was a no-brainer for me, and that's only because you two made it possible, and because you're here keeping me accountable for my privilege, along with thousands of others. Because of you, we can help change the world. Thank you.
Absolutely remarkable is an absolutely remarkable phrase and I am absolutely remarking everything from now on using this absolutely remarkable phrase from today
I see a lot of people saying they give $5 a month since they spend that much on lattes or whatever - and it really struck a chord. So $5 a month it is, and well worth it. PIH is an incredible charity, and I am happy to add a monthly contribution to whatever profits go to them from the Life's Library subscription (which I love)
John, apart from the direct good you and Hank do for those in need, you have also done an unmesaruble amount of good by inspiring a whole generation to be better. I know I wouldn't be nearly as kind or as giving if it wasn't for your example. So thank you for all the years of inspiration and let's make the world a better place together.
As a young woman who wants to have kids someday, the knowledge of how needlessly dangerous it is for other women to do so is shocking and upsetting in a very visceral way. Thank you for shedding light on it, and providing a tangible way to help. Whether you feel like you’re doing enough, you are doing something (and enabling others to do so), and that is to be applauded.
You are such a good man. The world is lucky to have you in it. I am glad I didn't look away. I will endeavor to continue with my eyes and heart open
As someone who has neither the time nor the attention to spread to issues like these on a daily basis (however much I wish I could - life is insanely busy as a student) I could not possibly look away when someone actively asks me to listen like this. I wish I could do more to help. And someday, when I have the resources to do more than simply survive, I will.
Thank you. Just thank you for this. I am too moved to be more eloquent; but thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you for your hard work to make this world a better place, and inspiring others to do their bit. And making me acutely aware that if can afford to impulsively buy a new dress that I really don't need, I can afford to donate an equal amount to help others.
I'm reminded of the privilege I had during childbirth when I needed an emergency c-section, and there was no wait. It just happened. Wow. This video took my breath away.
Yeah, I think the average Decision to Incision time in most wealthy countries is under 30 minutes. They are working so hard at KGH to make emergency c-sections safe and effective, and I really hope that in five years there will be many more stories like yours in Sierra Leone. (And I'm so glad you were able to get excellent care!) -John
I made the choice to take a class on the anthropology of reproduction this semester in school. I'm an anthropologist, and truly it is one of the more important areas for contemporary anthropology. We do a lot of talk about Reproductive Justice, and how we MUST look at Reproductive Justice, and Reproductive Rights, in the context of their systemic flaws, not simply as individual isolated thoughts. Hearing you talk, about this project in Sierra Leone, over the past years inspired me to a place where I could take this class, and it is my intention to do my term project on this partnership, where it came from, where it's going, how it helped, and on the human moments like this, like looking away out of dispair and guilt. Thank you for putting in the attention of more something so important.
I started watching vlogbrothers in 2008, when I was one year out of college and struggling financially (and overall). Now I'm in my mid-30s and a SINK. My plans for a family didn't pan out, but pregnant women worldwide deserve access to medically-assisted pregnancies and deliveries, and no child should die due to a lack of money/access to healthcare. I just signed up for a recurring monthly donation. Thanks, John.
I'm a college graduate who just got her first real job, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to donate!!! Thank you for this video John!
John, you are one of my favorite humans. Your dedication to continually look at the places where you fail to live up to your potential for good inspires me to do the same. I also stand on a mountain of privilege. I was sent to the best schools, the best doctors, the best therapists while so many billions lack even basic resources. I know that my lifestyle is only possible because of systems of inequality that I knowingly and unknowingly take part in. Despite all of these wicked complex problems, you're showing me, and millions of others a way forward to a better future for us all.
This video inspired me to go fill out volunteer applications with my local women's shelter and humane society. I've been meaning to do it for ages but hadn't gotten around to it. It literally took me about a half hour - I can't believe I've been putting it off for so long. Maybe it was my way of looking away. I can't donate money, but I can donate my time. Thank you.
Thank you so much for putting your energy and good will into the world. I see you, and I appreciate you. You are making the world a better place.
That's awesome! Thank you! -John
@@vlogbrothers I just signed up for my orientation at the women's shelter and then I see you responded! Is this kismet?! I've been watching your channel for years, you just made my day 😭
Once again, John brings me to tears. How I love the work you do. Thank you!!!
As a student, I wish I could contribute monetarily, but I really appreciate how, with videos like this and the OG Looking Away 5 years ago, you emphasize the importance of simply giving critical issues attention. I'm going to share the donate link absolutely everywhere I can think of and educate myself as much as possible. Thanks for making huge, complex, systemic issues seem a little more approachable, John.
Thank you! -John
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This reminds me of a teacher I had who said that acknowledging somebody's humanity is often something they really need, but rarely get
@@Flowtail that's a really nice sentiment!
Hey Nerdfighters,
I’ve been watching these two butts since 2009. Oof. I’ve read Johns books and listened to Hanks songs but I’ve never really...supported ya know? Each year, each fundraiser, each opportunity to be apart of something larger, I’ve said no, all in my own quite way.
But tonight, my friend took me out dinner. She didn’t have to, her family lives in China, so she’s got plenty on her plate. But she took me out anyway. She took me out and told me that she supported me and my theatre work.
So, I donated the money that I saved because good ideas need support. I’ll donate 50 bucks for the rest of the year because f*ck it those people need help.
Thanks butts for all your work.
Just started a $5.29 monthly donation. Thanks for your witness and work to improve maternal and infant mortality rates, John.
You manage to strike a beautiful and necessary balance between hope and urgency, self-forgiveness and self-accusation. We need to find a way to take personal responsibility for all that we've failed to do, without becoming paralyzed by guilt or shame. Thank you.
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I wish this much effort was devoted to, and continued, so that those who have served can be healed mentally, can be made to walk again, can be made to hold again, can be made to listen again, can be made to see again, and can be removed from the streets permanently. Bloom where you are planted, and care for your own garden first.
As a Type 1 (AKA genetic) Diabetic, the idea that people still die from lack of insulin (which was invented in the 1920s) is just horrifying.
Until last year, no one with Type 1 diabetes in Kono was receiving any kind of insulin treatment. Horrifying, indeed. -John
It's especially discouraging that it can still happen in the USA (mostly due to costs) as if "we can't even help our own people so how will it get better"
These videos help me keep at least some optimism though; not only does the project benefit specific areas, but I believe it benefits everyone as people learn that being alive is not an economic decision and should not have a price
While this is a somewhat US-centric idea it seems to affect a lot of how these issues are handled; by no means do I mean to take attention away from situations like that in Kono
Even Americans are dying because how expensive insulin is here.
I almost couldn't watch this. My little 5 month old son is playing on my lap, and the idea that he might not be here if I was less privileged is devistating to me.
Thank you for you work.
I applaud you and Hank for being exactly the kind of people that I would hope to achieve fame and fortune: generous, attentive, and looking for every opportunity to use your platform in support of others. In the 13 years I’ve been watching you, you set an example that has taught me to be more compassionate to my fellow people.
Thank you
Thanks for sticking with us all this time, Daniel! And for the kind words. -John
These problems remain hard, but it’s been wonderful to watch these updates - this community growing into a force for good in the world has been one of my principal joys of my internet life.
Same. :) -John
John, you make me feel ashamed and proud, at the same time. Thank you for the gift, and the hope.
This video hit me so hard. My son was born 6 weeks premature via emergency c-section and spent his first 7 weeks in the NICU. From when they decided I needed a c-section to when it happened was about 5 minutes. I can't imagine having to wait 1-3 hours. I don't know if my son would have survived that long; he barely survived as it was. I am so lucky and grateful that I live in a nation with quality national healthcare and could get the care my son and I needed. I wish I had more resources to help with the PIH project, but I will see what I can do, whether that's to make a small donation or try to spread the message to others, or both.
John, thank you. Your words are stirring.
Thank you for pointing out that we don’t have to look away. Thank you for bringing this to the front of my consciousness. Thank you for helping me let this matter to me. What a joy it is to know that you’re doing something that matters. Thank you for the thing you’re doing.
Already donated monthly as I can understand because I’m from Belize where the situation is often similar
Thank you. -John
Thank you for using your platform in the way that you have. It's so important. Your books are amazing and have touched me greatly since I started reading them more than a decade ago, but it's your work to help others that I find truly inspiring.
Man, you made me cry with this. I will give all the attention I can spare to those in need of it. I will give all the time I can spare to those in need of it. When I can, I will give all the money I can spare to those in need of it. when I can...
Thank you for this John. I’m grateful for this lens of perspective and glimpse of hope.
Bless your heart John, thank you for remembering the power of listening and your ongoing devotion to these causes.
Sometimes I can hardly believe what nerdfightaria has become. Since I was in middle School, I have watched so many creators on this platform grow up. Jenna Marbles, Shane Dawson, and Hank and John. Their content has all shifted over the years. But it has truly been a gift to be able to watch people grow and change in real time. It gives me hope to see how some of the creators who have been on the platform for years choose to spend their time and money. People who have been given wealth and fame by viewers on this platform, and they choose to do good things with it. The incredible thing about vlogbrothers is that they have let the community grow up with them. This channel and this fandom have always been and continue to be a collaboration between fans and creators to do truly good things.
I always appreciate these videos. They manage to blend talking about what is happening, as heartbreaking and devastating as it may be, while still reminding me that people are still good. That people actually are trying. Thanks, John.
I'm a student now, but I made a $15 donation during the PFH. I wish I could have made a larger donation, but it's the best I could do. However, I will be a full time software engineer next fall, and I cannot wait to start supporting PIH more!!!
I cannot afford to donate myself, but I will exhaustively seek whatever donations I can from friends, family, and of course absolute strangers! Thanks for the inspiration, John!
This video got me because I was born from an emergency C-section, and both my twin and I spent significant amounts of time in the NICU. My twin, mom, and I all would have died if we had lived in Sierra Leone. I've been meaning to start my $10 monthly donation to PIH for a while, but this video gave me the kick to finally get out my credit card and do it.
my Christmas gift from my dad this year was for partners in health, and it’s the best thing that I’ve asked for ever, man
Ahhh that's so lovely! Please thank your dad for me! (And thanks to you for asking for such a present!) -John
You made me cry again, John Green. Thanks for reminding me how big the world is. (In the process of making a donation now).
Every-time I thought I got a hold of the crying, more crying started. Thank you John for sharing this
This video finds me at an interesting time. I am a medical student in the UK and am currently on my obstetrics rotation. Many of the cases I have seen in recent weeks have been medically complicated, but by and large these women have eventually left the hospital healthy in themselves and with a healthy baby. I am reflecting on the fact that if, by chance, these women were born elsewhere then they may not have been so lucky. Thanks for once again broadening my world view John.
Good luck with your studies. I'm really grateful to you for sharing this reflection. -John
This is beautiful and honestly I am just writing this comment because algorithms. I want more people to read this.
Six years ago, I was badly struggling with my mental health and I watched the first Looking Away video. I found it painful but helpful. I shared it to Facebook and encouraged friends and family to watch it. Six years later, I am being properly treated for my mental illness and having more good days than bad ones, but still struggling with the how much suffering there is everywhere. This video feels like fate, even though I'm not a believer. Thank you, John and Hank (whoops, Hank and John, sorry), for always being there through my mental health journey and for helping me more than you realise. I am so grateful. Your videos always touch on the things I am struggling with and help me feel so much less alone. DFTBA, because you guys really really are :D
Charity has a certain FOMO that comes with it. But it isn't Fear Of Missing Out of a social scene--it's missing out on helping where help is needed. And the help is always needed, but the FOMO doesn't kick in until we recognize that there's a need. You have awoken us to a need, which we as nerdfighters now recognize, so thank you for giving us the opportunity to recognize it. But more importantly, thank you for helping the worthy and wonderful people of Sierra Leone.
Your passion and dedication to making the world a better place inspires me everyday. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not doing enough, not donating, not being loud enough about the important issues, but you make me feel like any little I do can have a positive, big impact. Thank you!
First, thank you so much John, for the work that you do. I appreciate your willingness to look at systemic problems, even when they seem huge and intractable.
A possible angle for fundraising: I recently auctioned some crocheted items I made to support my school's student need fund (we use it for winter clothing, work uniforms, books and tools for our kids who need some extra help).
Would it be possible for crafty people in Nerdfighteria to do something similar? Turn it into a specific event where people are all bidding at the same time? I know it helps people to have something tangible in return for their donation, and I know there are a lot of really talented people in this community.
Very good idea! We have a somewhat analogous project during the p4a called the nerdfighter art perk, which we've kept from doing as a bidding for specific items thing just because back when we used to do that it was very hard/complicated. But it's worth looking into. Thanks for the idea! -John
I might not have a lot of money- but boy do I know how to make stuff. I will make all the things should you ask me too (I also work at a craft store so I get supplies pretty cheap)
@@vlogbrothers My husband is an artist, and we've donated art prints to various causes over the years (most recently for climate action.) If you go ahead with this, we're in.
What a wonderful idea, Jennifer!
Nerdcraftfairia?
As a nursing student with a current job in labor and delivery and hopefully a job after I graduate, these videos overwhelm me with tears. It has been a huge goal of mine to help out there in some way. I’m not sure what that looks like yet but it’s so important to me.
John is the role model I never thought I would need as an adult.
Michael! I sent you a thank you note but it got returned! Email me your current address! sparksflyup at gmail. (Unless you are not the person who donated to the matching fund!) -John
Thank you for this John. I knew this was something important, but this really made me think about how important. I would not be alive if I had been born in the facilities in Sierra Leone. Many people I know may not have either. I have set a reminder to donate once I sort out my fortnightly finances. Thank you, thank you. This video really hit home and I want to help make it better.
I can't really think of a TH-cam video that's moved me as much as this one. Thanks, John. I've amended my monthly contribution.
I am currently unable to donate at this moment but I have been planning on making donations later this year and donating more in general. PIH is one I will be donating to.
I'm 19 now, but I've seen so much throughout my years and still have so much to see. I've met people who lived on the streets. I watched as people went through the trash to find something to eat. I see these things and almost can't live anymore. It cuts my heart like cold steel. Although my family is struggling, we still scrape together whatever we have and send the money over to a poor country. There, we have friends and family who hand distribute what we sent to those who are in need. We provide food, clothing, and anything else we can. We fund the education for kids who can't afford to go to school. Lately, times are really rough. We are very close to declaring bankruptcy, but we still send anything that we can. So many families depend on us, and we can't stand to let them down. I just wish my family and I could do more.
This is why I do have hope that things can change. We CAN make a difference. I’m proud to donate.
Attention is really important for absolutely poor people, thanks for all the people supporting them, never look away.
I cried during the video and then reading the comments I'm crying again. Ya'll are wonderful human beings. Together we are truly changing the world. Thanks for the reminder of how interconnected we are. How, when we come together and pay attention together, we can create solutions together.
guilt is one of those emotions that never really goes away, no matter what. it’s frustrating to hear others tell you that you’re not to blame for something, because you will never stop feeling like you are, so i won’t. john, i just wanted to say that i think you’re an incredibly kind, empathetic, and generous person. you’re doing all you can to help, and, to me, that’s what matters. thank you for all the good you put into the world. p.s. i convinced my friends to donate their lunar new year money to pih with me!
I'm a medical laboratory technician in the great state of Iowa. Because of your efforts, John, at work I often think about how the labs in these hospitals work, what supplies they have, what supplies they go without, and what it would be like to work there. I'm thinking about it more and more. When my kids are grown and leave the nest I'd love to learn more about how to help. Not just with money, but with my actually going there.
I can't donate a thing, but I appreciate your existence so much. Thank you for doing good and raising the vibe in general and thank you for taking on this project specifically, I know it'll change lives for the much better.
Thank you for talking about this across a number of videos, I'm going to start donating. I don't know why I hadn't before other than the fact that I also wasn't treating this as an emergency. I've been thinking about the principle of tithing and I think I'm going to try to scale up to 10% of my income being donated to important work like this.
Thank you so much! Hank and I are longtime fans of the practice of secular tithing (or in my case somewhat nonsecular tithing, I guess), and it's great to hear you'll be joining us in supporting PIH! -John
Thank you for this story.
In 2016 I stayed in Rwanda for some months, where it was easier to look away, too. I saw suffering people in public hospitals. Only the private clinics had enough supplies to give actual care. There's a long way to make change part of a society that is so poor. In hindsight I realize now I wasn't part of the solution to systematic change, we mostly helped temporarily.
I'm glad you're giving people a platform, a way to be part of good change, as it's sometimes difficult to find that yourself.
Thank you for all you have done, the impact that you are having on the world is beautiful and there are going to be many children that will become adults that will make impacts on this world. The ripple will continue until the end of the Anthropocene. Thank you for all you do.
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Sounds like PIH is making good progress & you are using your platform & time & money to help which is great.
I was born via c-section. My mother was 14 and I was 10lbs. We wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for the resources we have in the US that I take for granted.
I am just a college student on scholarship and I have no money now but I know I am still more privileged and I know that watching videos like this and being aware of the problems at hand will help others for a better future.
When I was born in 1995 I was three months premature and was technically too small to be resuscitated (15 ounces) however I was born at a great hospital in Southern California so me and my Mom who was in a coma due to preeclampsia survived. Now as a disabled adult my income is small however I hope my story might help people who can donate know how much lives can be saved by surviving maternity health.
John, I started reading your books about two years ago and I recently discovered your youtube channel. Big fan here.
I just wanted to say that what you're doing is great. You're making the perfect use of your time, money and attention.
It always feels like we could've done better, but you did what you could and we nerdfighters really respect that.
You're not just a great writer, you're also an awesome person with a big heart filled with love and generosity for humanity. Be kind to yourself. We love you.
-Nerdfighter from Pakistan.
Thank you. Thank you for caring and for giving simple calls to action. Sometimes the tasks seem far too big to find a way to quickly give of ourselves to make a difference.
Wow. Can't believe it's been 6 years since the first looking away video. It was such a strong video and so heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Actually more like five; I'm very bad at math. But thanks for the kind words. The projects that video helped sponsor are--or at least were very recently--still providing clean water solutions to thousands of people! -John
@@vlogbrothers 5... 6... Feels like the same thing haha. Also, thanks for replying, John! You've definitely added some awesomeness to my birthday. 😊
I love you Mr. Green, you inspire me to become a better person. Greetings from Iraq. ❤