Letters from My Sister - A Katrina Red Cross Worker

[Grrilla]

This is an excerpt of an email that I recieved from my sister, who is an experienced RN and is volunteering with the Red Cross. I haven't heard from her in over a day and am not sure where they have assigned her yet. I will add to this as I hear more.

DAY ONE

Arrived in Montgomery, Alabama. It took most of the afternoon to get checked in and briefed. Staying at the Capital Inn. Tomorrow we get our assignments. Took almost a full camera's worth of pictures (39 shots).

The briefing was an eye opener. The real scope of this situation is far beyond that which is being or can be reported. The sights, the smells, and the devastation are too much even for some of those who are being sent in to help. A busload of non-medical workers went out this morning and returned saying that it was too bad for them to stay in the midst of. A nurse also returned, reduced to tears at what she had experienced. We were not told where any of these people went, so we can only guess. According to the briefing, most of the shelters are understaffed. Some with only the bare minimum of medical and mental health care providers. Some of the shelters have no running water and will have to be shut down. But they can't shut them down until they can find new places for the people who are in them.

 

[True_Snake]

I agree, the conditions really cannot be conveyed on TV or in the media in general. Being there gives someone a whole different view and prespective.

I wish your sister and all the helpers and victims all the best.


True_Snake

 

[NPQueen]

wow... even those trained to help in situations such as this are over come with emotion. I can only hope and pray for all those helping out that they will have the strength to be able to handle what has been set before them. They are truly amazing and selfless people. My little contibutions seem even smaller compared to what people like your sister are doing.

Humbly-NPQueen