REACHING OUT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW…..

For the last couple of weeks I’ve been on a mission to beg request donations of medical supplies from local physicians and medical facilities to be sent to Haiti via Hope for Haiti.  We have a family friend who is the program director of this organization and he is there living the disaster.  If you haven’t read my earlier post, you can do so by clicking here. 
The Palm Beach County medical community has been very generous and I was overwhelmed with the response.  My little car had every square inch filled with med supplies one day (with the exception of the driver’s seat) and I’m happy to say that those supplies are already in use in Haiti. 
The contributions already received are much appreciated by the people of Haiti and a huge relief to the workers.  It must be frustrating beyond belief to know what is needed to treat a patient and not be able to proceed because of the lack of equipment and supplies.  After the first few shipments went to Haiti, it became clear what was still much needed and not yet obtained.  These are somewhat specialized items and I’ve not had any success locally. So once again, I’m reaching out into the blogosphere because you never know when you might have a reader who works for one of these companies or has a contact who might be able to help.  So Bloggyville……….take a look at my shopping list below of much needed items and see if you know someone who knows someone who knows someone who might be able to donate or discount these items for a good cause. 

Medical Supplies
Skin Graft Needs
Dermatome (x2)
Multiple blades for dermatome
Skin graft mesher (x2)
Skin graft carriers
Skin staple guns
Other needs:
Stockinette for casting, Bandage scissors
We're also looking for a low-cost way to acquire a portable digital x-ray machine. Also, prostheses will become a HUGE need in the future as amputees seek rehabilitative care.

The above list was copied and pasted directly from Patrick’s email.  If anyone reading this works for, with or owns a company who might be willing to donate supplies and/or discount them for a well-known cause, please contact me by email as soon as possible at
smartmouthbroad at gmail dot com.  Any help or referral will be much appreciated. 

Together, we CAN make a difference!


Hugs,

Smart Mouth Broad

WHEN SHE GROWS UP

Daughter #2 is a sophomore in college this year. She is pretty sure that she wants to teach kindergarten after graduation while working toward her Masters. Eventually she wants to be a high school guidance counselor. Her own guidance counselor was very special to her and made an indelible handprint on her life.

She is looking into the Teach for America program. We’ve been texting, emailing, phone chatting and web-camming to discuss the pros and cons when it occurred to me………..*my lightbulb moment*.

Why am I wearing out my feeble brain on matters about which I know nothing. Let’s face it: If you want the best cornbread recipe…..I’m your gal.

You need the words to the Wrigley Spearmint Gum jingle from 1967…..call me. Care to discuss just who will win this season on Dancing with the Stars……I’m there.

Career decisions……..no so much.

Let us not forget that I got my M.R.S. degree right out of high school. I didn’t so much select a career as happened upon one.

So tell me, why should I prattle on with my pseudo words of wisdom when I have all of you out there to help. I may not have gone to college but I am lazy resourceful. I know smart people when I meet them and you people are SMART! Not only that but many of you are teachers. You just might have some personal experience in this area. So tell me, (and D2 because she stalks my blog) what do you know about the Teach for America program? What would you advise a young woman with dreams of making a difference in the hearts and minds of young people? Have you heard of this program? Do you know anyone who has experienced it? Come on, now…..don’t be shy. Tell us what you really think.

I will be eternally grateful for any insight you might provide. And the best thing is that if you’re wrong, she’ll be mad at you, not me.

Hugs,

Smart Mouth Broad