Letter

Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you know I work in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and have for about 5 years. I love what I do; I have the opportunity to work with a number of different patients from various backgrounds and cultures. I am paid to take care of these children but for me it does feel like a service that I am able to provide to these children.
Many of you also know that I have had rare opportunities to work specifically with infants or children with a Congenital Heart Disease. I am truly amazed at the way we can provide care for these children, and hold myself lucky to be able to work in a place where I see miracles happen. Naturally, not all stories end with a happy outcome, but being able to be there at the most delicate moments in someone’s life, is an honor.
I have been given a unique opportunity to be able to truly put into practice the things that I have learned over the years. I have the potential opportunity to help in a different way, in a completely different environment. I was invited to join a team of Surgeons, Doctors, Anesthesiologist, Practitioners and Nurses to help perform surgeries for children who do not have the same resources that we do. This group of Cardiac Medical Staff is leaving late Sept/ early Oct 2009 to Kenya, Africa. The purpose of this medical trip is to perform cardiac surgery to at least 9 children; my role would be to be a part of the team that supports these children post cardiac surgery.
This is an obvious chance in a life time for me, but moreover it would be a great opportunity to serve those without other options for corrective heart surgery. These surgeries are truly life changing for this small group of children. The trip is unfortunately not sponsored by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Hours spent on the trip will come from my own personal vacation time, and other monies for the trip would also come from personal finances. The amount I have to have is $2,300-$2,500.
This is where you come in, likely I can’t make the trip without monetary help. These days I understand finances are stretched thin and resources are scarce. If you feel impressed to help in this way, with any donation, thank you in advance for helping me help those who do not otherwise have the same opportunities we have. Thank you again.
Sincerely,

Andy Lamoreaux