Yesterday I wrote about this subject under the title: My Little Sister Needs Our Help It's the story of Paul Waggoner co-founder ofMaterials Management Relief Corps which does extraordinary work in Haiti. For his sacrifice and dedication to helping the people of Haiti, Paul's reward has been an extended stay in one of the most dangerous places on earth, the National Penitentiary
According to affidavits and reports Paul's only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's being held under the charge of kidnapping because a child died in the custody of the hospital that Paul was working on.
The child in question died at Haitian Community Hospital in Petionville February 23, 2010, while Waggoner was organizing supplies at the hospital. Waggoner did not administer any medical care to the infant. Despite the fact that a board-certified, US physician has signed an affidavit stating that the child in question was deceased, and the father viewed the body, the father has accused Waggoner of kidnapping the child. The doctor’s affidavit also acknowledges that the father declined to take the child’s body as he did not have the resources to bury it, instead allowing the hospital to dispose of the body.
This story has gotten a bit of National attention from Anderson Cooper, but needs a lot more if Waggoner is going to get the national support he so desperately needs at this time.
Aolnews also has a great article on the story here.
The MMRC is lobbying the US Embassy to take a stronger stance in advancing the release of Mr. Waggoner. To donate to the cause click here. But really the best thing (other than donating) would be to simply sign the petition and pass this on to as many people as you know.
This story is personal to me because my little sister has joined with MMRC and dedicated herself to helping the people of Haiti. Her and "Little Paul" as he's known have become friends and she sees herself as easily having being in the same position of Paul. My sister is a nurse who has saved all her vacation so that she can spend weeks at a time in Haiti helping the people there. At the age of 22 she embodies the spirit of this community and gives herself to others in need. I will continue to diary about this as much as I can because it's the least I can do for Paul and for my sister.
Thank you all in advance and I wish everyone a great Holiday Season!!