New Year's Resolutions

Sometimes I feel like this blog is like Car Talk's "Shameless Commerce" website, but for CRUDEM. Many of you are with friends and family, enjoying the holidays. Others are away, wishing they were home. As we take a moment to be grateful for our gifts, I'd like you to consider a New Year's Resolution that won't cost you much, but will return manyfold - a gift of your time as a volunteer. You don't have to be a doctor or nurse. You don't have to go out of the country. Find a passion, and follow it.

I'm forwarding a letter from Bill Guyol, if you are interested in helping in Haiti. It is safe and an experience that will forever change you. I'm happy to discuss details futher. The effort is far lighter than you think.

Dear Friends,
Up until several days ago Hôpital Sacré Coeur's cholera service had a census or 40 to 50 patients daily. Our Haitian staff physicians and nurses were doing a wonderful job of caring for our patients with little supervision from volunteers. We were hopeful that the number of admissions would remain manageable. It has not.
Things have changed. In the last three days we received 40 to 50 new admissions per day. We assume that this will continue. We now are acutely in need of volunteer personnel to supplement our staff. If at all possible, please consider coming to Hôpital Sacré Coeur's as soon as possible. We need you now. If we can send two physicians and three nurses per week it should be sufficient to care for our current census.
Please be assured of your safety. There have been intermittent demonstrations in Cap Haitian, which at times led to closure of the airport. Things are now back to normal. As always, Milot is quite peaceful and our volunteers are welcomed and well protected by the community.
Please email Deb Motyl at dmotyl@radiusmanagement.com if you can come. Please feel free to contact me as well if you have any questions.
In this season of giving, please consider giving your time and skills to the people of Haiti who once again desperately need it.
Bill
William B. Guyol, Jr., MD
Chair, Medical Committee
CRUDEM Foundation
wbguyol@me.com


Have a safe and fulfilling holiday.. and you don't have to look like Santa to make a difference -