Dear Colleen,

I would like to take the opportunity to send you my dearest thank you for all your dedicated work!

I know you heard that a thousand times before from other members but it is important for me to thank you for changing my perspective on life in so many positive ways. You helped me to look for a passion in life, to find a goal to strive for, to rethink my current career path (finishing my unsuccessful PhD of fundamental research in molecular biology) and search for a meaningful occupation that I really like and where I can imply my compassion for others.

My decision to become vegan was in October 2010: After I broke both legs in a rock climbing accident earlier that year I had to twice undergo surgery and was temporarily bound to a wheelchair. While other people said I was really unfortunate with what happened, I considered myself very lucky: it would have been much worse for me if I had hurt or even killed somebody else in the event which was not far from happening. I felt like I had given a second chance.

During my rehabilitation at home I had a lot of time to read and think about my life – maybe for the first time. At this point I stumbled over the book Earthlings and for the first time I realized horror-stricken how much damage, pain and death I had caused already in my life by not thinking and not making the connection. While I initially hid or excused myself for my veganism, I now speak up for the animals and for the benefits of a plant-based diet and even plan to give a speech in my local Toastmasters club (non-profit organization helping people to improve their public speaking). And your podcasts are my greatest and best resource for that.

You taught me so much beyond the vegan diet (to what vegans are often reduced to). You very much empowered me and I cannot thank you enough for it. So my support for your work seemed the least I could do to thank you. I am really happy about the new membership program, as it is much easier to consistently support your work.

Maybe I have the chance one day to attend one of your speaking events. Having said that, Switzerland is a beautiful country (not my country of origin though) and the vegan community is slowly awakening and growing. If you ever plan to come to the lovely city of Lausanne in the French speaking part of Switzerland, I would love to welcome you!

And of course, I’d be honored to appear on your Special Members page with my full name. Please, please, please continue the great work you are doing!

Sorry for answering your simple question with such a long email. I did not intend to go overboard by thanking you… but

THANK YOU!

All the best,

Sylvie

Oh, and I almost forgot: Are there any plans to publish your books in other languages? I’d love to give them to my parents but it would be much easier accessible for them in German.