If you’re reading this with a cup of coffee in hand and a pencil nearby, you’re probably already searching for Vinni—our charming little robot who has somehow managed to steal the spotlight (and a few hearts) around here. 

We tucked Vinni throughout this issue of Foundations not just for fun (though yes, that too), but because they represent something important. They’re a symbol of quiet, powerful change, the kind built through years of dedication, shaped by countless acts of generosity, and brought to life one courageous “yes” at a time. 

Ten years in the making, bringing surgical robotics to KGH is no small feat. Neither is expanding JoeAnna’s House by 10 rooms. Or building trust between systems to reimagine mental health care. These are bold moves—but they didn’t begin with a headline. They started with people. A physician who dared to ask, “What if?” A donor who chose to give. A citizen who chose to volunteer. A family who found the courage to share their story. 

And they continue because of people. People like you. 

And at a time when trust in our systems feels shaken—when decisions like the closure of the pediatric department leave so many feeling unheard or uncertain—this work becomes even more important. We exist to bridge the gap between what is and what should be. And we’ll keep listening, advocating, and doing the work that brings people closer to care, not further away. 

Maybe that’s what Vinni reminds us of, in their own mechanical way. That real progress isn’t always loud or fast. Sometimes it arrives quietly, in small but powerful acts of hope. In the way we show up for each other—in conversations, in care, in every corner of the hospital. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory, and together, they move us closer to something extraordinary.

So, as you count up the Vinnis, know this: every one of them represents years of dedication, and a community that’s choosing to keep going. Not because it’s easy—but because it matters. 

And that’s the best kind of story to tell.

With care,