Support for tornado-devastated Joplin

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Monica Mewshaw

A note from Julie Cannon, RN, a nurse on Labor and Delivery.

I’m sure you are all aware of the terrible devastation that has happened to Joplin. It is one of the worst single tornadoes since modern record keeping was started. The Joplin area is where I grew up and spent the first 30 plus years of my life. Joplin is a small town compared to growing up around Baltimore, but it was a lifeline to the outside world for us “farm kids” growing up.  When I was learning to drive, I did my “city driving” in Joplin. I had clinicals at St John’s, the hospital that is now in ruins.

I have many friends that are currently helping with the efforts to save lives in Joplin. They are exhausted, but keep working. They are injured, and they keep working. They’ve lost their homes and they are still working. Being a caregiver is part of who they are. What the first responders are going thru is beyond describable. Its heart wrenching, emotionally devastating work.

For a donation to the Missouri United Way to help in Joplin, you can text “JOPLIN” to 864833 and make a $10 donation. This is to the Heart of Missouri United Way. One hundred percent of the donations are earmarked specifically to Joplin with zero overhead costs. This website is  www.uwheartmo.org/

(Additionally, options to help exist via the Missouri Nurses Association–www.missourinurses.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=150  We will also create a means next week through Nursing Grand Rounds.)