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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD In 2003, Margaret Riordan of Dingle, Ireland, traveled to The Big E with a model of a Malawian village and a story of incredible loss and inspiring perseverance. Each year, Riordan has captivated all those attending The Big E with the story of how her son's death in Malawi caused her to abandon her life in Ireland to take up the cause of the people in Cape McClear, Malawi, Africa. In 1999, while backpacking in Malawi, Riordan's son Billy drowned in Lake Malawi. He was the third of her five children to die. One year later, she traveled to the lake and came face to face with the immense poverty of those 15,000 people living in Cape McClear. Next month, Riordan will make her annual trip to The Big E to raise awareness and funds for Billy's Malawi Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in this village. Over the past nine years, Riordan has raised over 500,000 Euros, approximately $737,000, to open the Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic and a residence for the medical professionals and volunteers working in the facility. Prior to the clinic, those in Cape McClear would have to travel hours for medical care. Since her interview with Reminder Publications last year, Riordan has also been able to raise funds for antiretroviral medications for HIV/AIDS patients. According to the World Health Organization, between 11.3 and 17.5 percent of the Malawian population ages 15 to 49 are infected with HIV/AIDS. The average life expectancy is 46 years old. Judith Kappenman, SSJ, and clerk for Billy's Malawi Project Inc., explained that all the funds raised in the United States are being used for the purchase of antiretroviral drugs and other medications for those treated at the clinic. She noted that Riordan's fundraising efforts are conducted in the United States and in her homeland. Kappenman explained that Riordan spends eight months out of each year living in Cape McClear and the other four traveling to conduct fundraisers. "What impresses me is [her] goodness and total dedication," she said of Riordan. "She's given her whole life to it [Billy's Malawi Project]. It's just such an inspiring story. It just touches your heart." Mary Ellen Lowney, a board member of Billy's Malawi Project, explained that by keeping overhead costs low, Riordan has been able to open a secondary clinic and is working toward building a school. "She operates on a shoe string. It's a miracle all the things she's done," Lowney said. "If only I had more money I would just throw it at her." Kappenman agreed. "What's inspiring about Mags is her total divestment of material things. She lives very simply," she said. Riordan will be attending The Big E from Sept. 12-15. Donations can be mailed to Billy's Malawi Project Inc., P.O. Box 312, West Springfield, MA 01090-0312. For more information about this organization go to www.billysmalawiproject.org. | ||||||
