Speaking of snakes, I have an update on Zama (or Zamo), the baby who was bitten on her leg while she was sleeping in her hut in Swaziland. She and her mother, Sizakele, have now been in the U.S. for her surgery and treatment since May 27. She is scheduled for her third surgery to release the scar contractures that have developed due to scarring around the graft site. She is having trouble keeping the front of her foot down, so this will help her get more mobility at the ankle. She has had to stay longer than planned due to the scarring and physical therapy, so money is being raised to help with the expenses. A pancake breakfast in Loma Linda raised $1,050.00! Also, Dr. Bush hosted a multi-family garage sale at his home with the proceeds going to help and $1,550.00 was raised. Some children donated their piggy banks, which was touching. If anyone wants to contribute, the address is;
Medical/living costs: LLUMC Venom Fund #834
Sean Bush, M.D.
11234 Anderson St., Room A108
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Sizakele is 22 and has never had any formal education. She came here with an interpreter and is now fluent in English. She is learning her alphabet and is taking an aptitude test this week to see what reading level she has attained. She has made those around her pause to think about how fortunate we all are, even in these hard times. At the garage sale, she was amazed at how many clothes people donated and surprised that they still had more at home. In Swaziland, she had only three shirts and two skirts. Zama had only three outfits. They had to walk 30 minutes to the river to wash them and bring them home again.
Zama is thriving and can understand English and everything that is said to her She is now 22 months old and very mischevious. Dr. Bush's wife, A'me, will be returning to Swaziland with them next month. We are hoping to get some contacts and information about possibly doing adoptions and setting up an orphanage there. We are contemplating setting up a non-profit branch of our agency, A Gift of Hope Adoptions, called "Gifts of Hope" to fund water wells and orphanage projects in that region of the world. Due to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS, there are many orphans. We are hoping that we can get some of them into good homes and make the others much more comfortable. If you want to help or contribute in any way, there will be many opportunities to help. In the meantime, prayers are good!
They desperately need water wells. Can you imagine drinking dirty river water where people wash their clothes and take baths? Animals cross the river as well. Everyone deserves clean drinking water. I will think about that every time I sip from a bottle of purified water. If you or anyone you know (Make it a boy scout/girl scout project!) would like to help build a well in Swaziland, the fund contact information is;
Hug fund/Zama
All Nations African SDA Church
Verah Mthombeni
Box 1579
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Thank you!
Showing posts with label Dr. Sean Bush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Sean Bush. Show all posts
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
...And Other Safety Issues
On Sunday, we attended a minor league baseball game at Storm Stadium (Padres) in which Dr. Sean Bush was honored for his work with snakebite victims. It was great...he threw out the first pitch. His wife, mentioned that he didn't want to "throw like a girl". Well, he'd be lucky to throw like some of the girls on the local high school softball team! He did a fine job, though, and hopefully opened some eyes to the dangers of snakebites. We're still looking for donations for Zamo's additional physical therapy and possibly one more surgery. She looked wonderful, though. Zamo was charismatic and very friendly, coming up to me and holding both of my hands. What a doll. I was happy to see such remarkable progress with her wounds.
On the way home, my son and I encountered an accident site. The road was closed off, so we had to go around it. Driving by, we noticed only one small truck, which was badly damaged on the front right fender. I was concerned that perhaps it had collided with a motorcycle. There were people standing around crying which was disheartening, but we didn't know what had happened. We learned yesterday that it was actually a vehicle vs. bicycle accident. The fender was so badly damaged, it was apparent that some amount of speed was involved. A 15-year-old boy, the same age as my son, was struck. He was not wearing a helmet and it cost him his life. I don't know if the vehicle driver was at fault, but regardless of that, had this young man been wearing a helmet, he may have survived being thrown onto the asphalt, where he struck his head. It is such a tragedy and perhaps one that could be avoided. His family is devastated and there is no going back.
Also last weekend, a young man in Huntington Beach, California was enjoying a party with friends. They were kids from a Christian school and there was no alcohol involved -- they were just fooling around. One of his friends jumped into his car and started it and began to drive off. He made a bad decision to jump onto the top of the car. The friend kept going and said he was "just playing". When he rounded a corner, not going very fast, the young high school student fell off the roof of his own car. He was killed by trauma to his head, which was no match for the pavement.
We need to educate our children about helmet safety. While helmets may inhibit some movement, they are essential to saving lives. They may be inconvenient, but that inconvenience is worth the trade off. A funeral is inconvenient too.
On the way home, my son and I encountered an accident site. The road was closed off, so we had to go around it. Driving by, we noticed only one small truck, which was badly damaged on the front right fender. I was concerned that perhaps it had collided with a motorcycle. There were people standing around crying which was disheartening, but we didn't know what had happened. We learned yesterday that it was actually a vehicle vs. bicycle accident. The fender was so badly damaged, it was apparent that some amount of speed was involved. A 15-year-old boy, the same age as my son, was struck. He was not wearing a helmet and it cost him his life. I don't know if the vehicle driver was at fault, but regardless of that, had this young man been wearing a helmet, he may have survived being thrown onto the asphalt, where he struck his head. It is such a tragedy and perhaps one that could be avoided. His family is devastated and there is no going back.
Also last weekend, a young man in Huntington Beach, California was enjoying a party with friends. They were kids from a Christian school and there was no alcohol involved -- they were just fooling around. One of his friends jumped into his car and started it and began to drive off. He made a bad decision to jump onto the top of the car. The friend kept going and said he was "just playing". When he rounded a corner, not going very fast, the young high school student fell off the roof of his own car. He was killed by trauma to his head, which was no match for the pavement.
We need to educate our children about helmet safety. While helmets may inhibit some movement, they are essential to saving lives. They may be inconvenient, but that inconvenience is worth the trade off. A funeral is inconvenient too.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
UPDATES
Please say a prayer for Katie's son Dakota who sustained an injury while riding his bike and is currently in surgery at Children's in Pittsburgh. We found out today that the new baby due in a few months is a girl, so Dakota will have a new little sister before long. Get well soon, Dakota.
Welcome baby Anjelessa Jo, born this morning in Minnesota. Happy Birthday! Congratulations to Sherry and Bob, who are currently bonding blissfully with their newborn daughter. Birth mom is doing well and is happy with her choice.
Zamo, the baby who was bitten by a snake, will have to be treated for another three months and will have one more surgery before she can go home. There was a little setback with scar contractures, but she's a trooper and will eventually be ready to go home to Swaziland. Dr. Sean Bush (Venom E.R.), who has been treating her, has arranged for her to stay with a family in Southern California, but they are still in need of donations to defray the costs of the additional physical therapy and the extra three month stay. If you wish to donate, Loma Linda University Medical Center will accept donations on their behalf and it is tax-deductible.
We are currently looking for a family for 10 and 11 year old siblings. They are a Caucasian boy and girl, who have been living with grandparents for most of their lives. The grandparents are in poor health and fear that they won't be around to raise the kids and are looking for a good home for them. This is a difficult situation, as children this age are very aware of everything and won't necessarily adapt to having new "parents". They are healthy and don't have any apparent issues, but it will take a lot of love and patience for these kids to be absorbed into a family. If you know anyone who is the right candidate to adopt these children, please put them in touch.
Please remember that with our current economy and housing situation, people are abandoning pets in record numbers. If you want a new dog or cat, please be sure to go to the local animal shelter and also to support them if you can. Some shelters have needs that are easy to fill (newspapers are a welcome donation for most shelters). Donations of dry pet food are also welcome. It may mean that they can keep pets alive longer to allow for adoption. Pets need adoption too!
For a wonderful way to announce a birth or give a special personalized gift for any occasion (like the best carmel apples you'll ever eat!), nannyssugarcookies.com. is the place. Look under baby shower and you'll see all kinds of baby ideas and birth announcement options. Nannette will also do something custom for you by request. It's a yummy way to say thanks or congratulations.
Welcome baby Anjelessa Jo, born this morning in Minnesota. Happy Birthday! Congratulations to Sherry and Bob, who are currently bonding blissfully with their newborn daughter. Birth mom is doing well and is happy with her choice.
Zamo, the baby who was bitten by a snake, will have to be treated for another three months and will have one more surgery before she can go home. There was a little setback with scar contractures, but she's a trooper and will eventually be ready to go home to Swaziland. Dr. Sean Bush (Venom E.R.), who has been treating her, has arranged for her to stay with a family in Southern California, but they are still in need of donations to defray the costs of the additional physical therapy and the extra three month stay. If you wish to donate, Loma Linda University Medical Center will accept donations on their behalf and it is tax-deductible.
We are currently looking for a family for 10 and 11 year old siblings. They are a Caucasian boy and girl, who have been living with grandparents for most of their lives. The grandparents are in poor health and fear that they won't be around to raise the kids and are looking for a good home for them. This is a difficult situation, as children this age are very aware of everything and won't necessarily adapt to having new "parents". They are healthy and don't have any apparent issues, but it will take a lot of love and patience for these kids to be absorbed into a family. If you know anyone who is the right candidate to adopt these children, please put them in touch.
Please remember that with our current economy and housing situation, people are abandoning pets in record numbers. If you want a new dog or cat, please be sure to go to the local animal shelter and also to support them if you can. Some shelters have needs that are easy to fill (newspapers are a welcome donation for most shelters). Donations of dry pet food are also welcome. It may mean that they can keep pets alive longer to allow for adoption. Pets need adoption too!
For a wonderful way to announce a birth or give a special personalized gift for any occasion (like the best carmel apples you'll ever eat!), nannyssugarcookies.com. is the place. Look under baby shower and you'll see all kinds of baby ideas and birth announcement options. Nannette will also do something custom for you by request. It's a yummy way to say thanks or congratulations.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
News
For those of you who have been following the story of Zamo, the little girl from Swaziland who was brought to California by Dr. Sean Bush for surgery to treat a snakebite, I have an update. Zamo was to head home yesterday, but her trip was delayed due to some contractures of her new skin and she is going to need some additional treatment. She was limping and it was determined that there needs to be some physical therapy to stretch her new skin. So, she will be here a little longer. The bad news is, all of the funds that were provided by the drug company that provided money for her surgery have been exhausted. We're not yet sure how much physical therapy she will need, but it will likely be costly, so be sure if you need a tax write off this year to donate in her name to Loma Linda (previous blog article).
Congratulations to Katie and Dale on your recent match! You guys have my vote for parents of the year. After all those boys, I'm going to "think pink". You have a lovely family and the patience of saints! I don't know what you put in your cereal, Katie, but we all need some! Share your secrets. You amaze me!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Baby Austin is doing much better and recovering from his pneumonia. He's growing like crazy and making progress.
Thanks also to those of you who e-mailed me in support of the boycott of the movie, "Orphan". I hope the efforts of adoptive families around the country will convey a message to the media that adoption isn't a horror or a joke. Perhaps someone will tell a true adoption story which is real and heartwarming. I know where they can find quite a few!
Reminder: Our office is closed on Wednesdays for paperwork and projects. I do know I haven't produced a newsletter in a while and I am working on it, but it's slow going and my days run into nights very quickly. I'll get everyone a newsletter as soon as possible. For those of you asking, I'm glad you enjoy it and it's on the way soon!
Our waits have been a little longer than usual lately and I know families don't want to hear that, but it is the reality of our world today. Lots of factors contribute to this -- the lowest birth rate since the great depression -- the highest abortion rate in many years -- fewer birth parents who are harder to find. I think we have to find a way to educate people before they get to the abortion clinic. Not everyone is aware that there can be a happy ending to an unplanned pregnancy. I am doing what I can to let young women know that there are options. If anyone has any ideas about how we can get the word out to potential birth parents that there are loving families waiting for any baby, perhaps a few abortions would be unnecessary.
Happy Birthday to my BFF Laura on July 30! Do something fun because next year you'll be on the dark side of the century!! Where are those black balloons?
Congratulations to Katie and Dale on your recent match! You guys have my vote for parents of the year. After all those boys, I'm going to "think pink". You have a lovely family and the patience of saints! I don't know what you put in your cereal, Katie, but we all need some! Share your secrets. You amaze me!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Baby Austin is doing much better and recovering from his pneumonia. He's growing like crazy and making progress.
Thanks also to those of you who e-mailed me in support of the boycott of the movie, "Orphan". I hope the efforts of adoptive families around the country will convey a message to the media that adoption isn't a horror or a joke. Perhaps someone will tell a true adoption story which is real and heartwarming. I know where they can find quite a few!
Reminder: Our office is closed on Wednesdays for paperwork and projects. I do know I haven't produced a newsletter in a while and I am working on it, but it's slow going and my days run into nights very quickly. I'll get everyone a newsletter as soon as possible. For those of you asking, I'm glad you enjoy it and it's on the way soon!
Our waits have been a little longer than usual lately and I know families don't want to hear that, but it is the reality of our world today. Lots of factors contribute to this -- the lowest birth rate since the great depression -- the highest abortion rate in many years -- fewer birth parents who are harder to find. I think we have to find a way to educate people before they get to the abortion clinic. Not everyone is aware that there can be a happy ending to an unplanned pregnancy. I am doing what I can to let young women know that there are options. If anyone has any ideas about how we can get the word out to potential birth parents that there are loving families waiting for any baby, perhaps a few abortions would be unnecessary.
Happy Birthday to my BFF Laura on July 30! Do something fun because next year you'll be on the dark side of the century!! Where are those black balloons?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Update on Zamo
Last week, Zamo had successful grafting on the skin of her leg and foot. She's walking and doing well! She is even going up and down stairs now. Zamo will be returning to her native Swaziland next week, on July 20. She will have to keep her foot covered so that it will heal without exposure to the sun. For someone used to walking around barefoot, I'm sure socks and shoes feel a bit confining, but she's doing very well.
I am hoping to be able to assist Dr. Bush in getting some donations for Anti-venom for the part of Swaziland where Zamo lives. There are many remote villages that have no medical personnel, clinics, or doctors nearby. In the hours it can take to get someone to a hospital, they can easily die. With anti-venom available, there is the ability to buy time and save lives. Since many of these lives are children, I think it's important that we help where we can. Anti-venom costs $100.00 per vial for the type of serum needed for that area. It comes 10 vials to a case. I am hoping that by Christmas, we can send at least one case, and then go on from there.
Our local Rotary has given some gifts to Zamo, although she still needs some shoes and personal items so that she can keep her foot and leg clean while it heals. If anyone wants to help, please send me a note and I'll make sure we can get what is needed before Zamo goes home. Otherwise, we're going to start working on the anti-venom. It is tax-deductible through Loma Linda University Medical Center's non-profit status.
I'm thinking some of our adoptive families will have children's clothing and shoes to donate. We should be able to ship some things for Zamo's village later, so if you have any items you don't need that would benefit a child, please let me know.
Dr. Sean Bush and his wife A'me are the angels who have really assisted Zamo and her mother so that they could get the necessary care needed for her foot. I'm not sure how they moved the mountains to get her here, and I know it was a great undertaking, but through their efforts, they are sending a healthy little girl home. She didn't lose her foot or her life. I am humbled at the efforts made on her behalf and I hope we can all show them that there are lots of angels in the world. If we all do just a little, we can accomplish a whole lot!
My adoptive families and friends rock!
I am hoping to be able to assist Dr. Bush in getting some donations for Anti-venom for the part of Swaziland where Zamo lives. There are many remote villages that have no medical personnel, clinics, or doctors nearby. In the hours it can take to get someone to a hospital, they can easily die. With anti-venom available, there is the ability to buy time and save lives. Since many of these lives are children, I think it's important that we help where we can. Anti-venom costs $100.00 per vial for the type of serum needed for that area. It comes 10 vials to a case. I am hoping that by Christmas, we can send at least one case, and then go on from there.
Our local Rotary has given some gifts to Zamo, although she still needs some shoes and personal items so that she can keep her foot and leg clean while it heals. If anyone wants to help, please send me a note and I'll make sure we can get what is needed before Zamo goes home. Otherwise, we're going to start working on the anti-venom. It is tax-deductible through Loma Linda University Medical Center's non-profit status.
I'm thinking some of our adoptive families will have children's clothing and shoes to donate. We should be able to ship some things for Zamo's village later, so if you have any items you don't need that would benefit a child, please let me know.
Dr. Sean Bush and his wife A'me are the angels who have really assisted Zamo and her mother so that they could get the necessary care needed for her foot. I'm not sure how they moved the mountains to get her here, and I know it was a great undertaking, but through their efforts, they are sending a healthy little girl home. She didn't lose her foot or her life. I am humbled at the efforts made on her behalf and I hope we can all show them that there are lots of angels in the world. If we all do just a little, we can accomplish a whole lot!
My adoptive families and friends rock!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Zamo Needs Us
Some would call me a community activist. I'm involved in several service organizations, one being Rotary. I'm also a frequent flyer in the letters to the editor section of our local newspaper. I like to know what's going on and I definitely have an opinion about it! I keep my eye out for projects that are related to kids in particular. Recently, our Rotary Club hosted a guest speaker, Dr. Sean Bush. Some of you may know him from his documentary series "Venom E.R.". Dr. Bush is a venomologist. He lives here locally and works at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is one of a rare breed of docs who take care of the victims of snake bites, spider bites, and anything related to venom. In the Pacific Southwest, as well as many other parts of the U.S., we have a fair amount of venomous snakes. Kids are particularly vulnerable, not only because of their size (closer to the ground), but also because many children are fearless and don't realize the danger snakes pose. The venom also affects them more acutely. Dr. Bush's own two year old son was the victim of a rattlesnake bite, so it can happen to anyone.
As an evenomation expert, Dr. Bush travels around the globe studying and helping snake bite victims. As part of a project to film the dangers of snake bites, Dr. Bush traveled with a film crew and team to Swaziland, a tiny country nestled in South Africa. In remote villages in this region, there is very little anti-venom (if any) and hospitals are almost non-existent. Many people, including children, are bitten by venomous snakes there while they are sleeping. Their homes are typically not very secure and are very small shanties with holes throughout, so the snakes come in at night looking for food.
Zamo is a sweet two-year-old girl who was sleeping when she was bitten on the foot by a poisonous snake that had entered her shelter at night. There was very little help for her as her foot swelled up and the venom traveled through her veins. The skin and muscle tissue on her foot began to slough off, leaving her bones and tendons exposed from the lower part of her shin down to her toes. She was unable to walk and her foot began to turn outward. It's hard to imagine the pain she must have endured in the days after the snake bite. She had to endure a great deal.
When Dr. Bush saw her and began treatment, he realized that it wouldn't be possible to provide the the type and scope of help Zamo needed there in Africa. She needed to be in a place with advanced medical equipment, a support team of surgeons, and the appropriate medications to help her in the best way possible. Dr. Bush managed to get through the diplomatic red tape and was able to have her flown from Swaziland (a 24 hour process) to California to Loma Linda University Medical Center, here in the Inland Empire, where treatment has helped her a great deal. Her wounds were cleaned and prepped and she is currently undergoing a series of skin grafts to enable her skin to re-grow. She has had and will need additional physical therapy. Her foot has been saved. Seeing the wound, I marvel at the fact that all of her toes were able to be spared. Zamo is going to be okay, if somewhat scarred. The amount of treatment and the medical costs are no doubt staggering.
In the meantime, through all of the treatment, Zamo and her mother are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda. She has spent a great deal of time at Dr. Bush's home as well. He is obviously a very dedicated doctor, and is committed to making a difference in the life of this child, and others. I am hoping to find ways to assist Dr. Bush in the non-medical care of Zamo and the children who will follow in her footsteps.
The current economy isn't very forgiving and many people don't have as much to donate to charitable causes as they would like, myself included. But we can all make a difference if we each do a little and combine it. I'd like to send Zamo and Dr. Bush some help. She and the other children who are and will be facing these types of medical emergencies need everything from the basic necessities to donations for food and shipping, as well as interpreters. This all comes at a cost. If you need tax deductions this year for charitable gifts, or if you just want to help a little girl regain the use of her foot, please take a look at a few of the sites listed below.
http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/emergency/programs-and-divisions/venom-er/our-doctors/index.html
http://www.llu.edu/news/newsstory.html?id=1578
Here are the ways we can help:
Donations may be sent to Loma Linda via;
L.L.U.C.H. Foundation
11175 Mountain View Ave.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Attention: Mindy 909-558-3154
Please indicate on your check: Snakebite Victims/Dr. Sean Bush, from ALOL Families
Another way to help is to send contributions to:
Ronald McDonald House
11365 Anderson St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
909-558-8300
Gifts appreciated include cash donations, gift cards for restaurants (check with Ronald McDonald House), gift cards for places like Wal-Mart and Target where clothing can be purchased, and new children's toys and books. If you can just do a small amount on a gift card or want to assist in purchasing a gift card, let me know and I can combine several gifts to purchase a gift card. We can make a difference.
I hope to set up a fund for snake bite kits which include anti-venom and can be sent to some of these remote areas where they have no hospitals and certainly no venomologists available to help. Anyone who has resources for any of these options should contact me. I know many of you would be happy to donate outgrown children's clothing and I may take you up on that if I can find a way to get everything shipped to Swaziland.
Please forward this information to as many friends and relatives as you can so that we can get the word out. Dr. Bush was able to provide a picture of Zamo and if a picture says a thousand words, then you understand that this child and others like her go through an incredible amount of pain and anguish. We can help.
Dr. Bush is doing his part and I'm hoping we can pitch in and help so that kids in forgotten parts of the world will have a chance to recover from snake bites. They deserve the same chances as children born in areas quick to provide medical care. I'm counting on my wonderful adoptive families and readers of my blog and newsletter to come through. As a group, we can change the lives of some children and perhaps even save some.
As an evenomation expert, Dr. Bush travels around the globe studying and helping snake bite victims. As part of a project to film the dangers of snake bites, Dr. Bush traveled with a film crew and team to Swaziland, a tiny country nestled in South Africa. In remote villages in this region, there is very little anti-venom (if any) and hospitals are almost non-existent. Many people, including children, are bitten by venomous snakes there while they are sleeping. Their homes are typically not very secure and are very small shanties with holes throughout, so the snakes come in at night looking for food.
Zamo is a sweet two-year-old girl who was sleeping when she was bitten on the foot by a poisonous snake that had entered her shelter at night. There was very little help for her as her foot swelled up and the venom traveled through her veins. The skin and muscle tissue on her foot began to slough off, leaving her bones and tendons exposed from the lower part of her shin down to her toes. She was unable to walk and her foot began to turn outward. It's hard to imagine the pain she must have endured in the days after the snake bite. She had to endure a great deal.
When Dr. Bush saw her and began treatment, he realized that it wouldn't be possible to provide the the type and scope of help Zamo needed there in Africa. She needed to be in a place with advanced medical equipment, a support team of surgeons, and the appropriate medications to help her in the best way possible. Dr. Bush managed to get through the diplomatic red tape and was able to have her flown from Swaziland (a 24 hour process) to California to Loma Linda University Medical Center, here in the Inland Empire, where treatment has helped her a great deal. Her wounds were cleaned and prepped and she is currently undergoing a series of skin grafts to enable her skin to re-grow. She has had and will need additional physical therapy. Her foot has been saved. Seeing the wound, I marvel at the fact that all of her toes were able to be spared. Zamo is going to be okay, if somewhat scarred. The amount of treatment and the medical costs are no doubt staggering.
In the meantime, through all of the treatment, Zamo and her mother are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda. She has spent a great deal of time at Dr. Bush's home as well. He is obviously a very dedicated doctor, and is committed to making a difference in the life of this child, and others. I am hoping to find ways to assist Dr. Bush in the non-medical care of Zamo and the children who will follow in her footsteps.
The current economy isn't very forgiving and many people don't have as much to donate to charitable causes as they would like, myself included. But we can all make a difference if we each do a little and combine it. I'd like to send Zamo and Dr. Bush some help. She and the other children who are and will be facing these types of medical emergencies need everything from the basic necessities to donations for food and shipping, as well as interpreters. This all comes at a cost. If you need tax deductions this year for charitable gifts, or if you just want to help a little girl regain the use of her foot, please take a look at a few of the sites listed below.
http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/emergency/programs-and-divisions/venom-er/our-doctors/index.html
http://www.llu.edu/news/newsstory.html?id=1578
Here are the ways we can help:
Donations may be sent to Loma Linda via;
L.L.U.C.H. Foundation
11175 Mountain View Ave.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Attention: Mindy 909-558-3154
Please indicate on your check: Snakebite Victims/Dr. Sean Bush, from ALOL Families
Another way to help is to send contributions to:
Ronald McDonald House
11365 Anderson St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
909-558-8300
Gifts appreciated include cash donations, gift cards for restaurants (check with Ronald McDonald House), gift cards for places like Wal-Mart and Target where clothing can be purchased, and new children's toys and books. If you can just do a small amount on a gift card or want to assist in purchasing a gift card, let me know and I can combine several gifts to purchase a gift card. We can make a difference.
I hope to set up a fund for snake bite kits which include anti-venom and can be sent to some of these remote areas where they have no hospitals and certainly no venomologists available to help. Anyone who has resources for any of these options should contact me. I know many of you would be happy to donate outgrown children's clothing and I may take you up on that if I can find a way to get everything shipped to Swaziland.
Please forward this information to as many friends and relatives as you can so that we can get the word out. Dr. Bush was able to provide a picture of Zamo and if a picture says a thousand words, then you understand that this child and others like her go through an incredible amount of pain and anguish. We can help.
Dr. Bush is doing his part and I'm hoping we can pitch in and help so that kids in forgotten parts of the world will have a chance to recover from snake bites. They deserve the same chances as children born in areas quick to provide medical care. I'm counting on my wonderful adoptive families and readers of my blog and newsletter to come through. As a group, we can change the lives of some children and perhaps even save some.
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