EXTRA MILER: You have the power to make a difference

The earth heaved and tall buildings throughout Haiti crumbled in layers of steel and stone. I watched the devastation in horror, as the suffering splashed across every media source.

Large brown eyes looked up toward the camera; her desperation evident in her expression and cries of anguish. The child lay trapped in the debris of a Port-au-Prince building. Her response to the rescuers would quickly swing from chatting animatedly to screams of pain. At one point the camera seemed to catch a moment of serenity in her eyes — and just as quickly, she looked away and her forlorn cries returned. She was only 11 years old and a steel beam had blocked rescuers from freeing her from the televised nightmare.

I thought of my son at 11 years old — so happy and carefree — full of life. My mind dared not imagine him in this condition nor could I imagine the crushing ache of helplessness the little girl’s parents must have felt. After many hours, the rescuers were able to free the child from the steel beam and she was rushed to a nearby first aid station. The world sighed with relief and reflected optimistically about her fate.

At that time, few thought about anything other than how they could help. There are many valid organizations ready to help through our contributions and assistance will be needed for many years. The American Red Cross (ARC) was my first choice for humanitarian relief, since this avenue required no investigation into legitimacy. Southern Indiana citizens have proven repeatedly that we are giving people. If you have not already contributed to the Haiti relief effort, please consider doing so today.

Phyllis Wilkins, Executive Director for the Clark County ARC Chapter stated, “American Red Cross donors around the world, including our supporters in Southern Indiana, have given millions of dollars in support, and because of their generosity, people in Haiti will receive shelter, tools, tarps, hygiene kits, blankets, water containers, pre-packaged meals, first aid and emotional support from the American Red Cross and other partner agencies.”

Cory Lamb, the youth minister at Northside Church of Christ who was featured in the Jan. 31 edition of the Evening News, answered the call to help the people of Haiti, just as he has answered similar calls in the past. Before settling in Southern Indiana, Cory, along with his wife Laura Beth, led missionary trips to the Dominican Republic for several years. They also lived two additional years as missionaries providing outreach to children in the Dominican Republic. Laura Beth continues working to help the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through an organization called Manna Global Ministries (MGM).

When the call for help was sent out for reliable drivers to take life-saving supplies from the Dominican Republic into Haiti, our Southern Indiana Extra Milers were raring to respond. Although Laura Beth could not make this trip, Cory was on a plane to the Dominican Republic soon after the appeal came in. He returned home after working nearly non-stop for a week and plans to return as soon as possible.

Cory and Laura Beth are our Southern Indiana Extra Milers for February. I met them at the airport as Cory arrived from Haiti and in true Extra Miler form, both were quick to indicate they have done nothing special; they simply answered a call. Thank you, Cory and Laura Beth, for representing the heart of Southern Indiana.

Individuals returning from Haiti speak of a desperate need for medical supplies and experts in the medical field. Because of the extensive damage to Haiti’s infrastructure, establishing hospitals and distributing supplies the first several days after the earthquake was slow and often impossible.

The day after the 11 year old girl’s rescue, I searched the Internet for an update on her health. There is was … the headline, “Young girl dies …” My heart sank into immediate despair and for a while I sat still with thoughts of the many families dealing with death of their children.

The young girl had been transported to a hospital; however it was too late. She was dead within 24 hours of her rescue. Her last words to her mother were, “Mama, don’t let me die.”

Throughout writing this column, I have visualized this beautiful child with the large brown eyes who so desperately wanted to live. It took several days of searching before I would learn her name. Anaika St. Louis — may you rest in peace.

Valid donation sources to utilize to help Haiti (there are many more):

To help the efforts of MGM and the Haiti people, visit their web site at www.mgm.mannadr.org or mail a donation to: MGM, PO Box 2993, Clarksville, IN, 47131

American Red Cross: People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org, by calling 800-REDCROSS, or by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.” Financial donations may be sent to the local chapter at Clark County Red Cross, 1805 E. Eighth St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130, with “Haiti” clearly designated on the check memo line or enclosed note.

Here are some additional texting sources — since this appears very popular — for donations:

Text “Haiti” to 20222 to donate $10 on behalf of The Clinton Foundation (former President Clinton is a Special Envoy to Haiti)

Text “Haiti” to 25383 to donate $5 on behalf of the Internal Rescue Committee

Extra Miler Tip of the Month: Never underestimate the power of one Extra Miler. Charlie Simpson, a seven-year old boy from London, England, started plea for donations for the Haiti victims, through a UNICEF web site. Charlie wrote on his UNICEF JustGiving web page, “My name is Charlie Simpson. I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives.” He continued, “I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti.” Charlie’s goal was to ride 5 miles on his bicycle and that effort has raised over $300,000 thus far. Be creative — is there something you can do to help this or other relief efforts?

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, please contact her. To submit an Extra Miler, a story, or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Cdawson@eeoguidance.com, mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130-3340.

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