It's been several months since the earthquake in Haiti and like most big news, Haiti has moved from the forefront and been replaced with a new disaster du jour. I think a lot of us have disaster fatigue. I know I do - between the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the horrible flooding in Nashville last week, it takes its toll. I get to the point to where I can't turn on the television or read the news on the internet. I've made my small donations when and where I can but it seems so miniscule when you look at the big picture.
Then today, we got this email from Gina Epifano. She's is a Physical Therapist that volunteers with the University of Miami's Medishare Hospital in Port Au Prince. It made me realize that even the smallest of donations can seem huge. Imagine being in a hospital bed with no pillow. Imagine not being able to simply prop yourself up in bed if you're in pain. Or not being able to elevate your legs. A pillow. I can't even go out of town for one night without my favorite one. It's so difficult to imagine that the things we take for granted are still considered luxury items in some parts of the world.
Here is the email from Gina. She is hoping to raise money via a garage sale and raffle May 30 to purchase several WondaWedges from us at our cost. We are also donating a number of them that are irregular or were used as samples to her cause. If you'd like to help Gina out by purchasing a WondaWedge or two, please let us know. We will be shipping them to her May 25. She is returning to Haiti June 12.
From Gina:
Hello, I am a physical therapist that volunteered in Haiti's earthquake relief effort at University of Miami's Medishare Hospital in Port Au Prince last month. I am returning to the hospital in June to volunteer again. The patients at the hospital sleep on cots, and pillows are at a premium. There is no way to elevate the foot or head of the beds. I would be happy to send you pictures of the patient tents. They have fabricated some cardboard wedges but these do not last very long before ripping. I am interesting in bringing your product with me to Haiti to give to the patients of the hospital. I would like to know if you would be willing to donate any pillows or if you would give me a reduced price. I am hosting two fundraisers in the upcoming weeks to raise money to purchase your pillows. Any help you can give these wonderful people will be greatly appreciated.
You can check out the hospital at http://www.projectmedishare.org/
