Offering Hope

A second, and separate project I'm involved with here is funding reconstructive surgeries for children born with physical abnormalities through a very reputable organization called Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange.

Last year when the project began the cost of a surgery was $500. Many of you generously contributed and during the course of 2012 we funded surgeries for 13  children.

The generosity continues to flow, and last week we delivered another $2,500.

During a recent meeting with officials from VAVA I learned that the cost per surgery has risen to between $1,200 - $1,600. The increase is due to several factors. First, the cost for surgery has indeed risen, and secondly VAVA has found it important to add the cost of post surgery rehabilitation to the amount. Follow up therapy is crucial for maximizing strength and increasing long term success.

The children are from very poor families who live in remote areas outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Some must travel quite a distance by bus to receive the surgery. Costs to house and feed family members so that they can remain near the child throughout the process is also now included in the price per surgery, as incomes for most of these families covers only day to day survival.

The goal of the surgery project is to help each child become as independent and self reliant as possible so that they can grow up to lead productive, independent lives.

Today I had the privilege of meeting 16 children and their families for whom VAVA hopes to provide surgeries in 2013. They ranged in age from 4 to 21. Surgeries will repair feet, hands, ears, eyes and improve breathing.

I was asked to address the gathering and standing before the children and their parents, looking into their eyes I saw suffering. I shared my awareness of their concern, and heartbreak. Through tears, I offered a public apology for my country's choice to spray dioxin on their people and land, eventually effecting each person in that room in a very personal and significant way. Heads nodded and facial expressions visibly softened hearing those words. I then explained that the money for surgery comes from many US citizens who deeply care and want to offer hope and reparation.

If you'd like to contribute toward the goal of 20 surgeries in 2013, there are several ways to do that. You can send a check made out to me, Paula Griffin, with "Children's Surgery" in the memo, to 1437 Dean St. Niskayuna, NY 12309. It will be deposited into a special account and a wire transfer will be made directly to the VAVA surgery account. Or if you'd like a tax deductible letter, you can make the check payable to CORE Viet Nam, with "Children's Surgery" in the memo and mail to John Fisher at 4303 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 and John will send you a tax deduction letter of receipt from CORE, his new non profit organization.

Either way, you will receive a receipt and certificate of appreciation from VAVA after your gift has been processed.

Thank you for caring about these children and there families!