What FARI means to me

by Erin Craig, Data Scientist

When I was very young, my grandparents moved in with my family. Growing up with them was incredible. My grandmother and I read books, baked bread, and decorated cookies; my grandfather told stories, taught me to drive a tractor and kept a great candy stash poorly hidden.

Over the years, however, something shifted: my grandparents needed help, and my family and I began to support them. My grandfather’s mind remained sharp, but his body struggled; my grandmother’s body stayed strong, but she faced dementia.

Years later, my father was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer; he needed help, too.
With my family, I spent time in hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes; I saw the frailty and resilience of the human body, and the strength of the will to live. I learned the true value of health care and of compassion.

I wake up excited to start work every day; at FARI, I work to improve health care not just for my family, but for everyone. My colleagues share this enthusiasm – for each of us at FARI, this work is personal and important.