08/18/2021
We are sad to announce that because of the ongoing Covid pandemic, the 24 Hour Tour d'Esprit is officially cancelled again this year. We continue to see new active cases in Shelby County, both in the community and in the hospitals with many patients in ICU and on ventilators. We waited as long as possible to allow the pandemic to phase out so we could have the race, but that hasn't happened. Gathering together has the potential to spread more disease.
Second on the bad news front, there continues to be turmoil, chaos, and catastrophe in Haiti. The president was assassinated in July creating political instability. Meanwhile, the Covid pandemic has affected the population there as well. Approximately 500,000 doses of the vaccine were administered last month (1st shots) to a population of roughly 11 million.
If those problems were not enough, another devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Saturday 8/14, destroying a large area of the country near the city of Les Cayes. The death toll is already in the thousands and most certainly will climb in weeks to come. Hospitals were already overrun with Covid patients. Dr. Romel was in the clinic at the time of the quake and stated that there were no injuries and no damage to our facility. We thank God for that.
Again, if all of that is not enough, tropical storm Grace is predicted to hit the island this week, leading to flooding.
I have witnessed firsthand the incredible strength and resilience of the Haitian people. The manner in which they stick together and keep their faith through great difficulties is an inspiration.
They need our support more than ever. Although there will be no race, we ask that you continue to donate to this very needy cause. The church community, the running community, and the midsouth community at large have for so many years sustained the health care clinics (medical and dental), the rehab center, the well baby and nutrition clinics for the benefit of the patients and our staff who so desperately need our help.
Please consider helping again this year. Donations can be made to Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis. All donations are tax deductible and all money received goes directly to Haiti and is fiscally managed by Sr. Gloria who pays our bills and employees.
Thank you in advance,
Gordon Kraus
