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20 years ago Dr. Timothy J. Meade (MD) fondly known as Dr. Tim, was invited to Zambia after speaking at a World Health Organization HIV conference in the Netherlands. While working at Corpmed clinic in Lusaka as medical Director he volunteered with Jon Hospice where he discovered many marginalized HIV positive children who lacked medical care. His family’s first visit to Africa in March 2004 was also eye-opening for them. Dr. Tim told them that he wanted to adopt a baby boy he was caring for. During this visit, Tim took them to Jon Hospice and they were shocked to learn that the clinic had no HIV medication or morphine for the patients, both adults and children. On their way back from the clinic Tim and his parents discussed reaching out to friends and family to raise funds for medication. That simple idea grew quickly, and they decided to name the fundraiser Tiny Tim and Friends, inspired by the child Tim was about to adopt. What started as a small initiative soon became a much larger mission.
It may shock many to learn that once upon a time Tiny Tim and Friends (TTF) operated out of a single examination room provided by Corpmed, with patients waiting outside in the parking lot. Space and resources were extremely limited.
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During those days TTF relied mostly on friends and neighbors to source funds for its operation. One of the very first donors was Tim’s neighbor, an elderly widow, in San Francisco. Her husband had passed away while Tim lived there, and they became fast friends.
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She sent the first check for $100 in October, 2004. During its infancy, TTF received support from the St. Vincent de Paul program, which took TTF under their umbrella and provided crucial support until it was able to secure its own non-profit status. For that TTF is forever grateful.
Dr. Tim’s parents, Tom and Betty Meade, or Grandpa and Grandma as they are fondly called by everyone at TTF, would join on some of the outreaches handing out suckers to the young children who were scared of getting their finger pricked.
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They would accompany the team when they visited schools where sensitization and testing was being done. Grandpa and Grandma would join the children who would sing and dance for them.
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These moments of connection and seeing the direct impact of TTF`s work are some of their favorite memories. Grandma shared that even as a young boy Tim’s empathy was evident. She recalled that once when her youngest daughter Michelle had an infection in her foot that began to spread up her leg, the doctor insisted she not put any weight on it. Tim carried her everywhere, ensuring she was never on her feet. That was just who Tim was.
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His dedication to helping the vulnerable children grew, and he never turned anyone away, often serving over 18 people dinner at his home each night. Witnessing his dedication firsthand inspired his family to support his mission by writing letters, raising funds, and eventually applying for a not for profit (501c3) status to formalize support for his work.
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To date Tiny Tim and Friends has saved hundreds of children and their families thanks to one man’s compassion. Tim’s compassion has always been infectious and his sister Colleen was also drawn in by him to get involved from conception. Colleen shared how she witnessed his dedication to helping people.
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Colleen said “One experience that stands out is when my daughter and I saw a child unable to walk due to tuberculosis; his aunt carried his limp body into the exam room. That night, Tim noticed my concern and assured me that with the right medication, the child would be walking within 24 hours. True to his word, he made sure I saw the results for myself.’ Watching her brother tend to the vulnerable who often do not get proper medical care left a lasting impression on Colleen.
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When Tim passed away in September 2016, the family found solace in the fact that he had visited them just three weeks prior.
His unwavering passion for TTF and its mission made it clear that they had to continue his work. His sister Colleen took up the role of executive director and has continued Tim’s vision for Tiny Tim and Friends (TTF). She continues to honor Tim’s legacy by ensuring continuity in the life-saving work he started while adapting to the evolving needs of the Zambian community. Over the next 20 years, Collen envisions TTF expanding its reach and impact, deepening its commitment to providing high-quality treatment, care, and support for HIV-positive children, adolescents and pregnant women.
In her own words Colleen shared “As we celebrate our 20th year as a nonprofit, this milestone marks not just two decades of impactful work but also a renewed commitment to our mission.
His unwavering passion for TTF and its mission made it clear that they had to continue his work. His sister Colleen took up the role of executive director and has continued Tim’s vision for Tiny Tim and Friends (TTF). She continues to honor Tim’s legacy by ensuring continuity in the life-saving work he started while adapting to the evolving needs of the Zambian community. Over the next 20 years, Collen envisions TTF expanding its reach and impact, deepening its commitment to providing high-quality treatment, care, and support for HIV-positive children, adolescents and pregnant women.
In her own words Colleen shared “As we celebrate our 20th year as a nonprofit, this milestone marks not just two decades of impactful work but also a renewed commitment to our mission.
Colleen
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Justin
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Yanga
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Dr Francis Ngemba
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Mutumu Nzala Mwape |
Our robust Board of Directors, both in Zambia and the United States, continue to play a crucial role in guiding our efforts and ensuring we have the necessary resources to succeed”
“Looking forward, our focus will be on strengthening existing programs while forging new partnerships with organizations that share our vision.
Collaboration will be key as we aim to expand our efforts, share knowledge, and work together to improve the lives of those we serve in Zambia.
By staying true to Tim’s vision and adapting to the changing landscape, we aim to create sustainable, long-term solutions that will continue to make a difference for generations to come.”
“Looking forward, our focus will be on strengthening existing programs while forging new partnerships with organizations that share our vision.
Collaboration will be key as we aim to expand our efforts, share knowledge, and work together to improve the lives of those we serve in Zambia.
By staying true to Tim’s vision and adapting to the changing landscape, we aim to create sustainable, long-term solutions that will continue to make a difference for generations to come.”
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