By: Cathy Padilla | January 4, 2021 | Philanthropy , Meet Your Neighbor | Red Bank
FEATURED PHOTO: Kristina Rems (left) and Alexandra Cruz (Photo Credit: Sarah Agliata)
When meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary work, I’m always reminded of the story of the starfish.
You’ve probably read it as well. The little boy is walking along the sand littered with thousands of beached starfish and throwing some back in the ocean. An old man questions why he would bother to help a few when there’s no way he can help them all, telling the boy his efforts don’t matter. The little boy, picking up another starfish and casting it into the water, tells the old man, “It mattered to that one.” After a medical mission to Uganda, Alexandra Cruz, PharmD, sponsored a child and changed her life forever. Seeing the tangible results of her sister’s work, Kristina Rems, a teacher in Fair Haven who lives in Red Bank with her husband Jack and her dog Milo, sponsored a child as well. Almost immediately 14 other friends and family members decided to help. Last summer Kristina traveled to Uganda with Alex to meet the sixteen children they and their friends sponsor, finding their lives completely changed but also seeing many other children in desperate need. Upon returning home, the sisters partnered with Waves of Health, the original organization Alex traveled with, to form Waves of Education. Here is their story and how you can help, because once you read what they’re doing you’ll know how much it matters.
CM: What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Kristina: The most challenging part is knowing that we can’t help everyone. Being in Uganda and seeing the conditions that some of the people live in is heart wrenching. We wish that there was a way for us to help every person in need, but what we keep telling ourselves is that even though we aren’t able to help everyone we are helping as many people as we can and that by doing so we are making a difference.
CM: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
Kristina: She believed she could, so she did.
Alex: Be the change you wish to see in the world.
CM: Who has most influenced your career or life?
Kristina: My family has definitely had the most influence on my career and also my life. They have always believed in me and supported me. My husband, parents, and sister in particular have been my rocks through everything and have taught me how to be resilient as well as how to persevere in the face of challenge.
Alex: I have been most influenced by my family who has always valued helping others and making a difference wherever/whenever you can.
CM: How are you progressing with your goal?
Kristina: Since launching our initiative mid- November, we have been able to raise $40,000 with the support of our friends and family. We can’t achieve our goal without you. Please consider joining our cause and giving the gift of education to those most in need.
For more information, visit, WavesOfEducation.org.