I read about Hanley in the alumni section of the Bowdoin Magazine in 2001. Immediately after reading about her work, I sent her an email, and she responded! I still have the first envelope that she sent to me - it meant so much for her to take time to write to me. Through her work, she made me feel like I might also have the strength to travel and work for social justice in my life and career... and she reminded me that such efforts can be productive and also help me cross personal, societal, and cultural barriers. By demonstrating that it is possible for one person to make a big difference, Hanley instilled in me a sense of my own potential and responsibility. In 2003, I traveled to Guatemala with a Bowdoin group. On our way to Antigua from the airport, I sat behind Hanley. She was so excited about Safe Passage and so welcoming of us. I remember her turning around to ask me about my interests, and I told her I was thinking of medical school. She told me that she couldn't wait until I could come and work with Safe Passage as a doctor.

In 2004-2005 I returned to Safe Passage for 9 months. Hanley took time out of her day to meet with me and discuss the various projects that I was struggling to put together. Her optimism was unreal to me. Every time I thought something was impossible, she told me a success story - proof that I could do it, and so could the kids and parents of Safe Passage. I have never met anyone like her, and, as I have over the past six years, will continue to think of her in every "impossible" pursuit I undertake. This fall, I will finally make my way to medical school. The image of Hanley sitting in the van in front of me, excited about the care I could someday provide as a doctor, will remain in my thoughts and heart in these challenging years to come.

I first had the honor of meeting Hanley in the fall of 2005 when I met with Hanley, Bob Stuart (Bowdoin grad and founder of the "Guatemalax" program) and Jane Gallagher (long-time Safe Passage volunteer and now staff member). Bob loves lacrosse and thought that bringing the game to the children of the dump might provide a new challenge and fun for the boys and girls of Camino Seguro. Hanley embraced the program from the outset, realizing that much more than sports and competition could emanate from the experience. Hanley's hope was that through lacrosse, we could teach the children skills and values (such as persistence, self-confidence, healthy behaviors, teamwork, encouraging others, risk-taking and more) to carry them forward in their lives.

In July of 2006, I was fortunate to lead (with two other adults - one was Pat McCabe, wife of Tom McCabe, Bowdoin Men's Lacrosse coach) ten Brunswick lacrosse players including Pat's daughter, Jenna, on a ten-day Service Trip to Safe Passage. I remember vividly Hanley meeting us as we arrived Monday morning at the Guardaria (Early Intervention and Day Care Center). She hugged me and I cried with joy that we were finally THERE! As Hanley gave us an in-depth tour of the entire project, she told us the story of her first visit to the neighborhood around the dump. When she first was taken to see the dump, she said, "This Can't Be." To me these words resonate daily; to me they mean both "I cannot believe that people must live this way" AND "This cannot continue."

Those fortunate to have visited/volunteered at Safe Passage have had the privilege and honor to see what Hanley fostered. Others have described eloquently how Hanley interacted with the children of Camino Seguro. Her eyes lit up with love at the signt of a child; she deeply believed in the ability of each child to reach their potential. I can hear her smilingly sigh, "Ooohhh, " when a child would enter a room. I believe she set an example, a standard, for a lifetime of caring and giving, teaching us and our children what is important, what matters. I am honored to have known Hanley, and am grateful that my son knew her as well. Her example and standards will stay with us always.

I first met Hanley in April of 2005 when I went to Guatemala to volunteer for Safe Passage with a group from my high school. I remember being very overwhelmed on the first day touring the dump area. More than that, though, I remember being in awe of Hanley. I felt respect and admiration for her that I had never had towards any other person. As we walked down the streets of the city, I couldn't help but notice that any adult or child who walked past us aknowledged her with a warm smile or hug. I wanted to follow Hanley. I wanted to be a part of the work she did. The compassion and love she exuded was so vast that I couldn't help but gravitate towards her. I traveled back to Guatemala last April to volunteer for a second time, however, due to complications with my group during Easter weekend, we were unable to volunteer during the entirety of our stay and simply became tourists. I only saw Hanley once the whole trip, but I grabbed her arm and asked her with tears in my eyes to smuggle me into her van so I could go into the city to do what I had waited for all year. A week after we returned to Maine, I attended the Safe Passage 5k walk in Cumberland. I went up to her and promised that the minute I graduated high school I would be back. When Hanley passed, I could not believe she was gone. It didn't seem true that such a beautiful and lively woman would leave this earth with so much left to accomplish. I realized later that the love she gave touched so many people that its effects will only continue to grow. Hanley's memorial service and the premiere of Recycled Life justified the amount of lives that Hanley connected through her work. I loved her and looked up to her. I promised her that I would be dedicated to Camino Seguro for longer than just a spring break trip, that I would always be dedicated. I have two more months before graduation and I will become a long term volunteer. The impact that she had on me will last my whole life, and I am grateful to have known her.
I will miss seeing Hanley in the school, but I know that I will feel her there in every room. I know that everyone does and always will.