Humanitarian Assistance Puerto Rico
Donation protected
On September 19, 2017; Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4. Devastation was catastrophic, which resulted in 100% loss of electric power, and almost total loss of water and communications.
A week later, Puerto Ricans are unable to request help from the government and let their relatives know their situation and there is little help in sight and hysteria is setting in.
Months ago, I bought tickets to visit my father in Ponce Puerto Rico. He will be celebrating, his 90th birthday on 1 October. I decided to keep the plans and have organized a team to accompany me, which includes: a Medic, a Scientist, and an Analyst. We will be on the ground Wednesday, 27 September. Our outgoing flight is confirmed, but the return flight has been cancelled to allow for medical evacuations. The team believes we will be there for weeks.
To the present, we have self-funded our expenses and purchased equipment, such as: satellite phones, airtime, generators, many miscellaneous, and have volunteered our time. We have received two donations of 200 minutes of Iridium airtime each, which is greatly welcomed. This evening we tested all the gear and it worked satisfactory. Our mission as volunteers is to connect Puerto Ricans with the rest of the world and provide medical attention for infants, who are the most vulnerable. Our efforts will start with one community in Ponce and we plan to quickly expand to other communities as the funds raised allow, by helping people help themselves. Coordination with government officials in DC and Ponce are in progress.
Many friends have asked me how they can help and others have asked which charity they should give money to. As a charity, I would recommend the American Red Cross. For those personal friends who would like to contribute to our mission, I have created a “Go Fund Me” account. I have received offers to send generators, computers, bicycles, and communications equipment, but need to identify a proper storage area, once on the ground. We will collect imagery and will produce daily reports and an After Action Report. VoxOptima a Public Relations firm has volunteered to help get our message out in Social Media and other outlets. Thanks to everyone you for your interest and prayers. God Bless!
A week later, Puerto Ricans are unable to request help from the government and let their relatives know their situation and there is little help in sight and hysteria is setting in.
Months ago, I bought tickets to visit my father in Ponce Puerto Rico. He will be celebrating, his 90th birthday on 1 October. I decided to keep the plans and have organized a team to accompany me, which includes: a Medic, a Scientist, and an Analyst. We will be on the ground Wednesday, 27 September. Our outgoing flight is confirmed, but the return flight has been cancelled to allow for medical evacuations. The team believes we will be there for weeks.
To the present, we have self-funded our expenses and purchased equipment, such as: satellite phones, airtime, generators, many miscellaneous, and have volunteered our time. We have received two donations of 200 minutes of Iridium airtime each, which is greatly welcomed. This evening we tested all the gear and it worked satisfactory. Our mission as volunteers is to connect Puerto Ricans with the rest of the world and provide medical attention for infants, who are the most vulnerable. Our efforts will start with one community in Ponce and we plan to quickly expand to other communities as the funds raised allow, by helping people help themselves. Coordination with government officials in DC and Ponce are in progress.
Many friends have asked me how they can help and others have asked which charity they should give money to. As a charity, I would recommend the American Red Cross. For those personal friends who would like to contribute to our mission, I have created a “Go Fund Me” account. I have received offers to send generators, computers, bicycles, and communications equipment, but need to identify a proper storage area, once on the ground. We will collect imagery and will produce daily reports and an After Action Report. VoxOptima a Public Relations firm has volunteered to help get our message out in Social Media and other outlets. Thanks to everyone you for your interest and prayers. God Bless!
Organizer
MEL CORDOVA
Organizer
Reston, VA
