From Childhood Diagnosis to Community Action: The Power of 'Getting Up'

When faced with a life-limiting diagnosis as a child, the instinct might be to withdraw. Yet, for Rich Harwood, this profound early challenge ignited a powerful drive to 'get up'—not just for himself, but for others. This decision became the bedrock of a life dedicated to innovation and community.

The Decision to 'Get Up' at Eight

At the age of eight, Rich Harwood received a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis with a prognosis of only three to five years. This devastating news could have easily led to a life defined by limitations and a passive acceptance of fate. However, in a moment of profound maturity far beyond his years, Rich made a pivotal decision: he would stop calling for his parents when he was struggling through the night. This wasn't an act of defiance or bitterness, but one of deep compassion. Witnessing his parents' anguish over his illness was, for him, more painful than the physical symptoms themselves. This decision to spare them further pain, to essentially 'get up' and manage his own suffering internally, became the foundational act of his life's work. It was the moment he shifted from a recipient of care to an active agent in his own life, and subsequently, in the lives of others.

This early choice to absorb his own pain and protect his loved ones demonstrates an extraordinary capacity for empathy and self-governance. It highlights how even the most challenging circumstances can birth a powerful sense of agency. Instead of succumbing to the fear and uncertainty of his prognosis, Rich's mind turned towards a proactive approach. This wasn't about denying his illness, but about choosing how he would live in spite of it. This internal shift, occurring at such a young age, laid the groundwork for a future dedicated not to personal survival alone, but to fostering collective well-being and action. The act of 'getting up' became a metaphor for his entire life: a commitment to rising above adversity, facing challenges head-on, and inspiring others to do the same.

From Invisibility to Community Action

Rich Harwood's journey through chronic illness, particularly his experiences of feeling invisible within medical systems, profoundly shaped his understanding of human connection and the importance of being truly seen and heard. Growing up in hospital beds, he often felt like a patient to be managed rather than a person to be engaged with. This sense of invisibility—being spoken about but rarely spoken to—fueled a deep empathy for others who feel overlooked, unheard, or marginalized. This wasn't just a personal struggle; it became the wellspring of his life's mission.

The feeling of being reduced to a diagnosis or a set of symptoms, rather than recognized as a whole individual, ignited a desire to counteract such dehumanizing experiences. Rich recognized that this feeling of invisibility is a common thread in many human struggles, whether related to illness, social status, or personal circumstances. This shared experience of wanting to be acknowledged and valued became the driving force behind his work in community building. He understood that true progress and connection happen when people feel seen, heard, and respected. His decision to 'get up' and actively engage with the world, rather than retreat into his illness, was intrinsically linked to this drive to ensure that no one else felt the sting of invisibility he had known.

This profound empathy translates directly into the principles of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. The institute's work is fundamentally about bridging divides and restoring belief in one another. It's about creating spaces where individuals and communities can come together, not as isolated sufferers, but as collective problem-solvers. Rich’s early life experiences taught him that resilience is not just about enduring hardship, but about transforming that hardship into a force for good. His journey demonstrates that by choosing to 'get up' and face life’s challenges with compassion and a commitment to action, one can build a legacy of connection and positive change that extends far beyond personal circumstances. It's a powerful reminder that our deepest struggles can, in fact, be the source of our greatest contributions.

The Power of 'Getting In Motion'

For Rich Harwood, the phrase 'getting in motion' is more than just an idiom; it's a survival strategy born from a childhood marked by chronic illness and a stark prognosis. Waking before dawn each day, long before the age of 65, he embraced action as a fundamental way to combat the inertia and fear that illness can impose. This proactive approach, a direct extension of his childhood decision to 'get up,' became the engine for his life's work. It’s about actively engaging with the world, rather than passively waiting for things to happen or for challenges to resolve themselves. This philosophy underpins his belief that meaningful change and personal fulfillment are achieved through deliberate, consistent action.

The act of 'getting in motion' is deeply intertwined with the concept of purpose. When faced with significant adversity, especially from a young age, the natural inclination might be to focus on limitations. However, Rich's experience shows that by focusing on what can be done, on taking that first step, and then the next, individuals can discover a powerful sense of purpose. This is especially true when that motion is directed towards helping others or contributing to a larger cause. For Rich, the work of the Harwood Institute—bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and enabling communities to solve problems—is the ultimate expression of 'getting in motion.' It's about translating personal resilience into collective action, demonstrating that even in the face of daunting obstacles, movement and engagement are key to overcoming them and building a more connected society. This constant state of 'getting in motion' serves as a daily reminder that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to move forward within it.

Rich Harwood's story, as shared on The Life Shift Podcast, is a profound exploration of how adversity can forge a unique path to purpose. His decision at age eight to 'get up' and the lifelong practice of 'getting in motion' illuminate the transformative power of taking proactive steps, even when faced with immense challenges. To hear more about Rich's incredible journey and his insights on community building, listen to the full episode on The Life Shift Podcast.