WOD for Puerto Rico
This picture was taken in Puerto Rico two days prior of the wake of Hurricane Maria... (From right to left: my mom, me, my dad, Scott, my sister Ari and Kristina and my dad's wife, Idalia).
As you all may know, Puerto Rico suffered devastating damages last week with hurricane Maria. Fortunately my immediate family is in good health. They have structural damage to their homes but livable. Others were not that lucky. Food supplies, medication and fuel are scarce. Main highways are collapsing. Airports are operating with a limited schedule giving priority to the elder, families with children, the ill and those part of humanitarian efforts. Cities are flooded. In a few days this water, that already has gasoline, diesel, oil and elements from the sewer system, will be unbearable to walk in. It will be very difficult to deal with the smell, bacteria and viruses. Kids are not able to return to school because many of them don't exist anymore.
The entire Island is without power and communication is non-existent. Efforts are being made to restore both but it will take a while. How people make their living has been completely affected. Today my mother, who is a clinical social worker and has dedicated her life to serving communities in need, was finally able to visit the HIV/Aids agency she leads. The clinic is completely destroyed. My father works in the film industry and gets paid by project. Had 4 projects lined up prior to the hurricane. Those have been postponed and probably will be cancelled.
Drinking water…all I can say is my mother ran out a couple of days ago and a friend gave her one of the bottles she had left. People there are sharing the little bit they have with each other.
Many efforts throughout the US and other countries are being made to help my Island. Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help. At this point the only thing I/we can do is collect supplies, food and raise money to send to the Island. My goal is to equip my family and friends with the survival resources they need to utilize the sun as much as possible as well as provide water purification systems to ensure they stay hydrated. Then on a monthly basis ship food to last at least four weeks as that’s how long a cargo will take to get there.
Please help me spread the word. Any contribution helps!
Your support and words of encouragement has helped me keep my chin up. I will forever be grateful for that!
