L4Z Sends Shirts To Haiti

L4Z managed to secure passage for an AED on a January 30, 2010 flight carrying medical personnel to Haiti. A few tee shirts were tucked in for the adventure!

During the week prior to January 30, L4Z Director Rhonda Cochran learned her sister’s husband was going on a mission to Haiti with other medical professionals. Tyler Goldberg, an orthopedic surgeon in Austin, led a team of physicians donating their time for emergency relief, with travel provided by a major corporation. Looking over the list of “needed items” Rhonda quickly spotted “AED – Automated External Defibrillator” and knew this was an opportunity L4Z could seize!

Although our mission generally relates to local young people, we trust that L4Z supporters share the concern for the tragedy in Haiti and are thrilled to know that a portion of their support is helping the relief effort. At a rapid pace, we purchased an AED from Heart Safe America, and get it in the hands of Dr. Goldberg. The AED was packed in L4Z shirts and personal sized tissue packs left over from the Southfork Run! Driving from Austin on January 29, the medical team stayed overnight near the Burleson airport from where they’d take off the next morning. Upon arrival at the airport, they found out that the corporate jet taking them to Haiti didn’t have the capacity to also transport the two truckloads of equipment and supplies they’d brought from Austin. Disappointed but determined, a ride for their much needed equipment and supplies was arranged for departure on Monday - from Austin! Before the drivers started their return trip, the medical team stuffed as many essential supplies, medications, etc that they could into their pockets, jackets and shirts. And the AED, donated by Living for Zachary, was crammed in with them!

The team is working at an orphanage in a compound outside the city, and this is where the AED will reside. Photographed are Dr. Goldberg with a one of Haiti's "Local Heros", also pictures is another physician there to help. Dr. Goldberg is photographed with children, some wearing L4Z shirts! This building is the orphanage where the temporary ‘hospital’ operates alongside current residents!

L4z in Haiti