Downed tree a block from my family home
In my 7 years working at GSK, I have come to truly believe in our mission to help people Do More, Feel Better and Live Longer. Never has that mission been clearer to me than these past few months when I have been on assignment at Direct Relief International as part of GSK’s PULSE volunteer program. Recently, the work of Direct Relief in the wake of Hurricane Sandy has made things even more personal for me.
GSK and Direct Relief are the perfect partnership, as Direct Relief’s mission is to improve the health and lives of those impacted by poverty, disaster and civil unrest. Those of you who have read my blog posts before know that I have sometimes felt removed from GSK’s mission and that being at Direct Relief working on their communications as they have responded to emergencies and disasters across the world has helped inspire and reenergize me.
This has been particularly true as I watched the news and saw that not only had Hurricane Sandy devastated countries in the Caribbean but it was headed straight for my family and friends back east. GSK was closed, the first time I had ever experienced that, so things had to be bad. There was no power, no heat, little food, flooding and dangerous roadways. There was nothing I could do but wait by the phone for updates to know that my loved ones were safe.
But out here, Direct Relief was springing into action. They located clinics that needed help and supplies, reached out to corporate sponsors and donors to ask for product donations and cash, and kept people updated with state of the art technology. They work as a well oiled machine and to know their efforts were going to help people who live in the places that aren’t just pictures to me but places where I live and have spent time, touched me in a way that I can’t put into words. And through it all my colleagues out here just wanted to know if my mom and the rest of my family were ok.
So thank you Direct Relief from me and the people who receive the fruit of your labor. Thank you GSK for giving me the opportunity to experience this amazing organization. And thank you to the people who have kept those impacted by Hurricane Sandy in their thoughts and who have donated and spread the word about Direct Relief. My friends and family are safe and their lives are getting back to normal, but for all of those who weren’t so lucky my thoughts are with you and there are people out here working to get you what you need.
I encourage you to learn more about Direct Relief and their work. They do this every day and not just during disasters. Consider a donation to help them continue their efforts. 100% of donations go directly to those who need it and they have been mentioned on NBCNews.com, The Huffington Post, and iVillage.comas a non-profit to give to if you want to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Categories: North America
Carmen – A powerful and heartfelt testimony to remind all of us that when disasters occur, they are very personal to many…when we are distant from the situation, we tend to forget that real people are involved. It sounds like you have made tremendous progress in your work with Direct Relief. Congratulations…and I just know they are grateful to have you on their team.
Hi Ann!!! Thanks for reading and thanks for your encouragement. I’m so glad to be part of a team that you are on!!!
Hi Carmen,
I enjoyed reading your personal story. Keep up the great work out there. I look forward to your return to Philly
MIss you.
Lara
Lara. Thanks for reading and commenting. I’m glad to know you are ok and I can’t wait to get back. I’m sad you won’t be there.
That’s how i felt during the Colorado wildfires! It’s no fun feeling helpless and far away from friends and family during times of crisis. I think the first responders on the ground receive much of the thanks, but this is a good reminder that there are so many more people involved in the efforts! Great post, Carmen.
I can only imagine. People don’t know what it takes and being here has been eye opening.
Carmen,
As you know, next to Philly, there’s no place in the world I love more than the Jersey shore. Seeing what’s happened there broke my heart. Unfortunately, many people I know lost so much in this storm. The grandparents of one of my oldest friends have a home there, where they have since retired. My friend called me yesterday to tell me that their family home is gone. All that remains are studs and a bit of concrete. I spent so many summers at that home with my friend and her family. I sent my friend information on GSK’s access programs (they are elderly people who rely on medication daily), but I just didn’t know what more I could do for these people I’ve known my entire life.
After reading your blog, I decided to donate money to Direct Relief. Thank you for helping me in my decision. And please tell your colleagues at Direct Relief how much we appreciate their work!
We miss you!
Lynn, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend’s home. I’m glad that my blog moved you to donate to Direct Relief and everyone out here (including me) is extremely thankful for your donation. Often, the medical issues that impact people after an emergency or a disaster is the last thing that folks think about, but when someone relies on medication and is displaced and no longer has access to it, their medical problems can get worse. Thank you again and I miss you too.
Dear Carmen, I am helping my brother do a research paper on Direct Relief International, in the assignement he’s required to contact someone from your organization and ask them questions – he has decided to talk about volunteer programs and how your organization is successful at retaining their volunteers and how they implement and formulate strategies. Thank you!!