The Compassion in Action of Julian Lennon, Cynthia and John's Son..

Gr at it ude, Tenacit y and t he Power of Hands Joining Handsf or t he Benef it of t he Dest it ut e

When I first created Changes for New Hope in 2009, I realized, as my own life savings were quickly being used up, that I needed to find more support if this project was going to last beyond the year's end. I was pretty sure my friends and family would step up and help me, knowing that this means a lot to me and years of friendship would serve as my credibility. I have never been more wrong about anything in my life. "Good luck" was about as far as anyone was willing to go to help these destitute children in the cold Peruvian Andes. I believed in my project, I knew that this could not be allowed to fail and if help was out there, I would find it. Literally fifteen hundred plus emails went out to financial institutions, embassies, social organizations, grant making organizations and celebrities that support charitable causes. Most never even acknowledged my contact. How many responded ? About a dozen, but only one said, "YES, we would be happy to help you." Julian Lennon, son of Cynthia and John Lennon of The Beatles, who had created The White Feather Foundation in London England, stepped up. He supports humanitarian and environmental organizations. He even missed a massive 50th anniversary concert celebrating the Beatles coming to America because he was visiting a water system being built in Africa. He walks the walk and talks the talk.

The financial support could not have come at a better time. Stories of our project's progress are posted on the White Feather Foundation website. People read it, write to us and offer to support us as well, based on the credibility and awareness that Jules provided us through his site. Changes for New Hope was taken from an obscure, micro-charity tucked away in the Peruvian Andes and brought into international awareness because Jules has over a million followers to his fan pages. It was my tenacity and belief in my cause to reach out. It was Julian Lennon refusing to pull the ladder up behind himself that reached back. Today, thousands of children are living better lives as a result.

We can all be heroes. We are grateful to Julian Lennon and each supporter that helps us.