Life on the Edge

It is natural to keep your distance from the edge of a cliff.

But what if you lived on the edge your entire life?

Life in Q’eros has always been precarious. Death hovers over every childbirth for both infant and mother. Any wound can lead to sepsis. One year’s crop failure means widespread hunger. Heavy snows collapse roofs. Flooding destroys homes. Diarrhea and respiratory infections kill children.

We have witnessed all of these realities firsthand. That is why we partner with the people of Q’eros — to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience, and walk alongside them in hope.

Last week brought especially painful news. A truck carrying 20 of our Qero sisters and brothers went over a cliff as it was navigating the narrow and treacherous road connecting their villages to the outside world beyond the Qero Reserve. As of this writing, 6 have died and 7 are in critical condition.

These are not strangers to us.

These are people who have welcomed us warmly into their villages. They are the men and women who stood in community gatherings to offer heartfelt words of gratitude to our organization and to you, our generous donors. They are the families who served us grilled trout raised through our trout farming projects. They are the mothers who asked us to bless babies delivered safely with the help of an obstetrician. They are the parents proudly introducing children who are now receiving educational opportunities they themselves never had.

The tragedy extends far beyond the accident itself. In Q’eros, survival depends on the labor of the entire household. Two adults are often necessary to farm the fields, tend animals, prepare meals, and care for children. When a parent is lost or severely injured, an entire family becomes vulnerable to hunger and instability.

Heart Walk Foundation has committed to provide emergency food relief to all families affected. We are working with local agencies and trusted allies to assess the greatest needs and determine how we can best support these families in crisis.

As directors of Heart Walk Foundation, our hearts break for those you have passed and for the entire community that grieves this profound loss. We ask you to join us in sending love, prayers, and strength to our surviving brothers and sisters, who will need great courage and support to endure the difficult days ahead.

 

Thank you for continuing to walk beside the people of Q’eros with us.

 

Malynda Madsen

Dave Pugsley

Penelope Eicher

Tim Eicher

Tawnya Kirkland