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The media response was nothing less than
phenomenal. Within the first two weeks after
the earthquake, all the major national and
international press covered the activities of Hôpital
Sacré Coeur. Journalists and film crews spread
out across the hospital campus. Many local U.S.
reporters stayed for a week, filing daily reports
to audiences back home, anxious to learn of
new developments. Board members, staff and
volunteers repeatedly fielded questions from local
news reporters. Ireland’s media frequently called
upon CRUDEM Executive Director, Denise Kelly,
for newspaper quotes and radio interviews and
the Irish citizens responded with amazing shows
of generosity and support. CRUDEM’s website
and facebook page received tens of thousands
of hits. Well wishers and people offering support
sent emails, letters and parcels by the hundred
thousand.
The foundation’s full time staff of two stretched
beyond the max.
“Denise and Joni and
many others have been
working 20-22 hours
every single day, going
without sleep, trying to
manage the process,”
Carol Fipp, wrote to the other board members.
“The first ten days to
two weeks, we
frequently exchanged
emails and/or calls at
3:00 or 4:00 in the
morning. We slept in
our clothes. I am not
kidding. We are using
ALL waking hours for
this ... This is a heartfelt
mission.”
Carol would know, having also lived at her
computer for months, as she assisted in all phases
of the massive relief effort.
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