Friday, September 09, 2005

9/9/05

11:45 a.m. Well, I'm on the official list of medical/emergency professionals slated to volunteer with the recovery and identification of Katrina victims. I'm supposed to get a phone call from the coordinators sometime in the next few days as they are putting teams together. I heard the latest figures are estimated to be somewhere around 10,000 victims. 220 children have already been reported missing, and that number is expected to rise. Dear God.

19 comments:

DonnaJo said...

The number may not be as horrific. CNN just reported that a sweep of NO indicated a far lower body count.

Still...it's going to be a lot.

And good for you for doing that.

Larry said...

You have an ability to do what has to be done that I will never possess. My best to you.

PollyME said...

I love you too, Tamara. And not just for your hot body, either.

Anonymous said...

Guess there won't be much blogging going on while you're there. At least let us know when you're on your way and when you're safely at home, okay?

I saw on the news last night that the missing children are being put on webpages and T.V. to be recognized and reunited. One mother had not seen her three kids for almost a week, but found them on a webpage at a shelter 6 hours away from where she was.

There will be good news, too, Polly. Take care.

PollyME said...

I'll bring my laptop and I will keep you all informed of what I do and see.

Stephen Blackmoore said...

Helping out when we're in the thick of things is one thing. To many of us, whether we know how or not, the need to do something and not sit idly by is almost instinctive.

But it takes a special kind of courage to go in after the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled. Know that, to what extent we can, we've got your back. Good luck.

Your Host said...

Thank you for taking the time and sharing your skills with those who need it. I suspect that you're going to be able to help answer the questions of "where are my loved ones?", even if that answer is not the one they were looking for.

Higgy said...

Way to go, Polly - if there's anything you need from us, just say the word.

Anonymous said...

i'm so thankful for people like you, polly, who are willing to use your gifts to help others. i think if i went down there, i would just break down and cry--and ultimately be in the way more than helpful. but i guess that's why i donate money to help fund and support experts with skills like you who can best serve others at a time like this. and i'll look for other ways to help as i hear about ones that can use my gifts. for now, prayers for you and others helping with relief efforts, not to mention to the many, many, many people directly affected by this tragedy. :(

Unknown said...

You have my sincere admiration for taking on this job.

PollyME said...

Actually, guys, I'm a little scared of what I'm going to be confronted with there. I hope I'm up to it.

Anonymous said...

Polly, If anyone's up to it you are!

Anonymous said...

What Bill said Polly. You are the best.

Good luck.

JD Rhoades said...

Stay safe and stay sane, luv.

Cap'n Bob said...

I can only echo what the others have said and offer you whatever aid I can provide. In a way I envy you the experience although I know parts of it will be horrific.

Mad Scientist said...

Polly I signed up on the HHS page. If they decide they need some lab folks around to run epi survelience or to do DNA matching for forensics I'm there. Hopefully my previous experience at the CDC will help. Maybe I'll see you down there.

annie said...

wow, polly. good luck. i keep hearing the news of what's been going on back in the states from over here and it is simply unbelievable. let me know how it goes. also, i was wondering if you know if there is a list somewhere online of the confirmed dead?

i also just mentioned to my coworkers what you were doing in NO, and one of them asked, "oh, well is this what he usually does for a living?" and he seemed really surprised when i said "yes, it is what SHE usually does."

Anonymous said...

Knew you'ld be up for this. Pround to know ya!

MOAT meet in NO with Mad & Polly!

Required item: Latex gloves.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers go with you Polly.