When Dr. Lynne Holden was 8 years old, she didn't want a bicycle, a doll, or even a pony. She wanted a copy of the popular medical reference manual, Gray's Anatomy.
"Well, I always wanted to be a physician, since I can remember... The book for me was a constant reminder of what my goals and what my dreams were."
Since then, Holden realized her dream, but not without setbacks of her own. Now, she uses her experience to help others find a path to a medical career, reports CNN.
Holden was the first in her family to go through medical school. However, after she gave birth to her daughter in 1997, she was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare heart disorder that gave her only a 50 percent chance of survival.
"It was during that time that I thought about, well, if I can't continue to realize my dream, why can't I help others do what I've done through the journey? I know what it takes."
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She started Mentoring In Medicine nine years after her ordeal. Focused on providing disadvantaged kids and adults with pathways to careers in health care, she said that the nonprofit organization uses "academic enrichment, leadership development, community service and mentoring to create a strategic plan for successful attainment of their dream."
Holden related her life story on CNN's blog, Human Factor. She explained the multifaceted approach the organization's programs, referencing her personal theme of empowerment as a part of its mentoring strategy.
"I am a strong believer in the power of visualization! It was the pastor and scholar William Arthur Ward who stated, 'If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.'"
To learn more or donate to Mentoring In Medicine, follow the Impact links below: