Mom's Update in Haiti

Dear Friends:

Here's what's happening with my mom:

• We just got word that my mom is waiting in line at the US Embassy in Port au Prince
  
• We got her registered with the New York State Registry for New York Citizens in Haiti
• We emailed her info and medical needs to the U.S. Department of State
• We reserved flight out to Haiti on 1/24, airports permitting
• We emailed CNN to get the word out about her situation and medical needs; and monitoring news feeds out of there also, so you if spot any video footage from the embassy, or think you've seen her, please post here or send links to vnimix@yahoo.com
  

We are hoping that flying out to Haiti to get her back to the U.S. will not be necessary, as that would only be a deterrent to rescue efforts at this point, but if we must we will.

We heard from a cousin that they felt a large aftershock this morning, so their anxiety level has heightened again. My mom is carrying her medication with her and is taking it regularly. She's got enough to last her about a week.

Your donations are still coming in for which we are extremely grateful. As I mentioned in the last post, this fund will remain open to help with all related costs of bringing my mom to the U.S. and securing emergency supplies to the relatives with whom my mom is staying. We'll continue to do as much as we can for them and other Haitian residents as well. As you can imagine, the decision for my mom to leave them behind because they are not U.S. citizens, is not an easy one.

The other encouraging news is that a floating hospital left Baltimore, MD this morning, carrying 5oo doctors is heading to Haiti. The arrival estimate is next week.

Again, many thanks to you and all the information, support and generosity you're extending to my family. Beyond our family there are other ways you can donate towards rescue efforts in Haiti.

Sincerely,
Vladimir Merisca & Family

Family and Friends in Haiti

Dear Friends:

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their concern about my mom, Dulia Merisca, the other loved ones I have in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and your generous offers to help.

As of today, I still have not been able to speak to my mom directly, but we are hopeful as we got word that she is ok.

Our next steps are to go to Haiti, as soon as flights from U.S. are permitted, locate my mom, assess the damages to our home in Port-au-Prince, and fly her back to the U.S.

Additionally, we have other relatives on my mom's side of the family, and extended family members, like Francois Paul (Papa DouDou), who lives closer to the National Palace, where the damages are even greater, and we will also try to locate.

That being said, we've set up a fund and a payment process that should make it fairly simple and secure for anyone to make donations thanks to Paypal and the generous customer service of JP Morgan Chase Bank personnel. Just click the 'Donate' button below to contribute.

We don't know exactly what we're up against until we get there, but hopefully we'll raise enough to cover our costs to travel there and assist them however we can.

Of course, after we secure the safety of our family and friends, we plan to expand this fund to address aide for Haitians in Haiti on a broader scale.

Again, thank you for your kind offers. Me and my entire family thank you for your concern and donations.

If you experience any difficulties with the Donate button or have questions, suggestions, contacts in Haiti that could expedite our efforts, you can contact us at help2haiti@gmail.com.


Sincerely,
Vladimir Merisca and Family