Haiti Earthquake update

Dear Friends,

This is the first post I have ever written on our blog about our wonderful girl Maya. Most of you who know me, know that for me to put something out in the blogosphere takes a lot. I feel compelled and obligated to share with you updates from my organization, Friends of the Orphans and the organization we support in Haiti, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos/Nos Petit Freres et Soeurs (NPH/NPFS, Spanish and French for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”). I have 2 requests for those of you that read this: continue your prayers for all those suffering in Haiti, including our friends we still wait to hear from and for those involved with the relief efforts. My other request is that you financially support and/or share information about organizations you know to be providing swift and effective aid to the country.

I know as I post this it will most likely be out of date, so please check our website for the most up to date information: http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/s/769/start.aspx

Update from our operations (NPH/NPFS) on the ground
We have confirmed that we have lost at least 11 workers/family members/volunteers, including 2 US citizens, international volunteer Molly Hightower and Ryan Kloos, the brother of another international volunteer Erin Kloos. Both were killed when our administrative and volunteer office (Father Wasson Center) collapsed.

Friends of the Orphans and NPH are currently at the forefront of relief efforts. Our hospital, St. Damien had to be evacuated and the courtyard of the hospital has now become a triage center with an estimated 700 people, including 200 children needing medical attention and at least 25 in need of amputations. Fr. Rick Frechette, medical director of our hospital, has been coordinating efforts at the hospital while also providing pastoral care and hope for for the people. Please read his first communication to us after arriving in Haiti: http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/s/769/inner.aspx?sid=769&gid=1&pgid=896

Fr. Rick and St. Damien's Hosptial has been featured on most major networks, 2 interviews can be found here: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=9570839
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34863508#34868097

NPH has sent at least $700,000 to Fr. Rick and much more will be needed to assist in these efforts.

Again, please go to http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/s/769/start.aspx for the most up to date information.

We continue to be grateful for your concern and prayers for our family and for your awareness and advocacy on behalf of the people of Haiti.

Sean