My World Tuesday - Tragedy near and far

Danny Markham, Marianne's grandnephew, died January 7. He was 41. A memorial service was held Friday attended by many relatives and friends. The service began with the song "Danny Boy" and closed with bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace". There was not a dry eye to be found.

This tragedy was close and personal for us, but at the same time the earthquake in Haiti has affected many lives. We will miss Danny, but will comfort each other within the family and our lives will move on. The people of Port au Prince are in dire need of medical care, and basic shelter, food and water. Many have begun the aide effort and many organizations are responding and can use our contributions. I would like to recommend one for you to consider. SIGN (Surgical Implant Generation Network) is a non-profit organization that supplies orthopedic implants (and training) to surgeons in developing countries without real-time imaging and power equipment. Dr Lew Zirkle (a college classmate) founded SIGN after many years of working with orthopedic surgeons around the world. He got his start in Vietnam treating Vietnamese patients as well as US soldiers while an Army surgeon. SIGN's initial projects were in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. The SIGN team is setting up in Haiti. If you would like to help go to the SIGN web site and donate online or send a check.