Remembering Dr. Paula Braitstein
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that we share the news that over the weekend, we lost an extraordinary member of the AMPATH family. Dr. Paula Braitstein joined AMPATH when she moved to Eldoret in 2007 and she quickly became a invaluable member of the team. It is difficult to describe all that Paula meant to the program. She was a highly skilled epidemiologist and academic researcher, an amazing mentor and teacher, and a passionate advocate for those too often neglected by our society.
But Paula was so much more. She was an incredible wife, a devoted mother and caretaker to so many vulnerable children. She was a cherished part of many of our families and being in her presence made us see the world differently. She was also a living example of authenticity--always speaking her mind, strong in her convictions and living a daily life consistent with her values. She was a zealous environmentalist who empowered others and dedicated herself personally to helping others.
She took on enormous challenges over the last few years with remarkable strength, grit, humility, and grace. Despite her fierce fight with pancreatic cancer, just a few weeks ago, Paula was very proud to have received notice of her promotion to full Professor at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health. To say she will be missed does not feel like enough, but we know she is in a place of peace and she will live on in all of the lives she has touched throughout the world. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
—Adrian Gardner, MD, MPH
Read the tribute to Professor Paula Braitstein from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto
Paula was the sister of my heart. Her life was inspirational. Her approach....why sponsor one child when you can sponsor seven...why plant a tree when you can plant a forest....why impact the life of one orphan child when you can impact the life of hundreds. The world is much poorer for her absence but much richer to have had her presence at all. She leaves a hole in my life and heart that will not be filled but I release her memory to the universe so she may bring joy beyond those she touched in life.
—Kara Wools-Kaloustian, MD
We have lost such a gem of a human being.
A heart full of giving and love, an accomplished scholar and mentor to many in matters research.
Rest well Paula Braitstein till we meet again.
—Professor Winstone Nyandiko
Paula Braitstein was a force of nature. She loved children, and the many discussions we had with her centered on what the best environment is to take care of orphaned and separated children. The research we have carried out together over the past 15 years has attempted to answer this and many other questions, and I’m grateful to her for taking me into her fold, guiding me, and helping me to bring my best effort into this important work.
Paula loved nature, and championed protection and enhancement of our flora and fauna. She shared her insights on what she has learnt in her interactions with nature, life lessons that will stay with us for a long time to come.
Paula was a good friend. She would reach out whenever we were having difficulties and share words of encouragement. She shared her journey with her chronic illness with us, giving hope to us that life continues to be full even when challenges threaten to disrupt it.
My kinds of friends are those that you know are there even when you don’t spend hours on the phone or acres of messages sharing life experiences. My kinds of friends are those who will reach out out of the blue, share a bit of information they know you need to have, invite you for an event they know you’ll enjoy, and mostly stay in the background, knowing you’re there for them too.
Paula was that kind of friend. We took it for granted that whenever one reached out to the other, they’d always be there. And now she’s not here.
Kwaheri Paula. I’ll continue sharing what you’ve left me with. And it’s a lot, enough to last several lifetimes.
—Professor Lukoye W'Atwoli
My dear Paula, We always went for a walk whenever we were together so today when I heard the news, that is what I did. It was a cool fall day here different than the walks at your home-but also very much the same. I passed gorgeous trees-now in full colors. I was under fluffy white clouds on a blue, blue sky. I stopped at some small flowers and picked up a bouquet of fallen leaves as I went. I felt you with me the entire way.
Today your soul flew free. As it broke free, it separated into thousands of pieces – so to travel around the world to all the people you have touched and although we all feel initially broken at the news, that little piece of your traveling soul settled at its home – in my heart, in so many people’s hearts to remind us to look around and see the beauty of the world through your eyes.
Thank you for everything. Be at peace.
—Jane Carter, MD
Paula, my greatest cheerleader, my mentor, my friend…. I think I won the lottery.
The amazing woman behind the person I am today. She easily transitioned from a mentor to a true friend. She saw something in me that I never thought I had. Turned my timidness into strength. Stood by me in my academic and career progress…. “Don’t run after money!” She said “Focus on what you want to achieve, do it well, and the money will follow you.” Fought to ensure I enjoyed the opportunities I have today. Directed me into a path of finding myself as a human being, a woman, a mother and a scholar. Always recognizing the beauty within and without… “Sasa Mrembo!” how she always saluted me.
Her strength! WOW! I admired her strength…. even when faced with illness, she shone like a bright star. Her tenacity so fierce! Always protecting the less fortunate and those she loved. Her kindness so amazing! Extending beyond boundaries. Her emotions so real! You always knew where you stood with her. Moments I have laughed so hard include those we shared. Her love for nature so deep! I stopped buying furniture made out of hardwood. She saw no race, religion or class…. She was full of life and lived life! “I have lived my life; you need to live yours,” words she spoke that cut so deep.
And now, when I think of her, all I see is her beautiful smile! That is the image I will always carry with me…. I will forever be grateful for that day our paths crossed… when I stopped her and said, "Would you kindly help me write my first manuscript?"
My heart is at peace. Sleep well my dear!
—Juddy Wachira, PhD
Dear Paula, you have left a big hole in the hearts of many, me included. You were an example of resilience, free spirit, a vibe, positivity....
Thank you for standing up for vulnerable children and youth not only here in Kenya but also back in Canada
Thank you for speaking up on issues that affect the global population
Your openness, realistic approach to issues and wit was so refreshing
You found laughter in every situation
Go well
You have made a mark in this world
—Dr. Edith Apondi, MTRH
I’m so thrilled that so many of our kids were fortunate enough to get to know Paula. As we have all been bracing ourselves for this day, I think it is important to remember all of the things that Paula always reminded us of despite the sadness we are all feeling. More than anything I will always remember Paula for fighting for the people that society often forgot about and things we neglected. I feel like all of us, in whatever small way possible, need to make sure we continue to remember these populations and conservation efforts to continue Paula’s impressive legacy.
—Sonak Pastakia, PhD, MPH, PharmD
