The Power of One

I met Gary Jost and his wife Kathy at their mountaintop home in northern California while on my way to Viet Nam in 2013.  Although that’s the only time we’ve been together in person, we’ve stayed in touch by phone and email.

 In mid November Gary called saying he’d decided that for the holidays this year he and Kathy were donating $5,000 to the CORE Children’s Surgery Project in Viet Nam and challenging friends to donate enough to match their gift. I was moved by his generosity, sent him the information he requested and didn’t think much more about it. So on December 9th when I opened an email from him listing 23 people who had donated a grand total of 10,770 I was amazed, and quickly realized my Christmas was complete!  I couldn't have asked for a greater gift!  And today, donations have grown to 12,500, enough for 8 surgeries!  

So eight families who have been waiting for a miracle for their child will soon learn that hope has arrived!  And eight children will receive quality surgery and follow up care to correct physical deformities caused by our government’s use of Agent Orange on their homeland years ago. For some this will mean being able to walk on their own for the 1st time. And for others the surgery will increase dexterity making it possible for them to use their hands and fingers. For some it will correct facial defects which cause embarrassment and isolation. But for all it will covey the clear message that there are people in the world who care. While we cannot undo the atrocities of war, we can vow never to forget those who's lives are drastically changed as a result of our countries decisions and actions.

And it’s all happening because one person started the ball rolling! One man who lives atop a mountain in California cared enough about children who suffer from the remnants of war half a world away to make a difference in their lives. He dreamed up a plan and invited others in! The Power of
One, very cool indeed! 

Thank you Gary, Kathy and all who have given to this round of surgeries!  And to all who read this, thank you for caring about the children too!  

Love and gratitude! Paula 

For more information on CORE Viet Nam and the Children’s Surgery Project click here