September 03, 2005
New Orleans
Like most people, I'm simply at a loss for what to do or say about the ongoing crisis in the Gulf Coast. A local news channel is reporting via blog here, and the stories are just mindboggling. Otherwise, my best information has so far been family emails:
(August 31 3:08 PM)
Prayers do work!! Rich and boys driving North(?) East(?(or West(?). No one hurt, house still standing amid trash in the yard. He doesn't want to drive too far as he hopes to have Kim and Cheryl get to them whenever they can get out of Tulane Hosp. They are presently marooned and trying to care for patients and they have no power at all. Have to climb 6 flights of stairs to get patients to helicopter. Kim has been able to talk for a minute from the helicopter to her sister Kathy in Chicago, thus we are able to know that presently they are okay. The concern now is the integrity of the building itself. Will keep in touch thru Sarah or whoever calls next. We have all offered housing to them (who wants to draw straws?) Expect this will be a long and difficullt time of recovery for all those residents in Katrina's path. We are blessed. Love Mom
(Sept. 2 1:47 PM)
Good news. [My aunt] Kim & [my cousin] Cheryl are out of the hospital. They were taken to the airpport at New Orleans to help set up the Mass (sp) unit and found no facilities were in place. But, Kim will stay there to continue to assist "refugee" and Kathy's husband John is flying to Houst on, Tx and is attempting to get a plane in and out of New Orleans to get Cheryl to Chicago. Kim will remain at airport - how long???? But, thankfully, they both are out of the City!!!!!!!!!! Hurray!! Kim is staying with a family near airport. Will let you know if any more news is coming in. Love Mom
Tulane was one of the hospitals stormed by armed looters in search of drugs. My heart goes out to all the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
Posted by ben at September 3, 2005 02:29 PM