Getting close!

Hi, everyone!

I just wanted to give a quick update about monetary donations as well as clothing/shoe donations.

If you would like to make a donation, but do not have a PayPal account, please feel free to send me a check or I can pick one up! Checks can be mailed to:

Constance McDonough-Thayer
275 Summer Street, Unit 1
Somerville, MA 02143

When it comes to clothes- I would be more than happy to come by and pick up whatever you have to give! You can also drop them by my dad's house on island if that is easier. Our on-island address is:

14a Equator Drive
Nantucket, MA
02554

I also wanted to give a brief profile of the two girls I will be traveling with:

--Olivia is a student from Australia who is in the process of applying to medical school. She has been to Vietnam many times, and this is her second time returning for service. She is creative and loving and will be an amazing physician.

--Anne Stuart is an undergrad at Wofford in South Carolina and is also planning on getting a higher degree in the field of health, most likely psychology. This is her third trip back to Vietnam for service. She is innovative and incredibly hard working and I am thrilled to get to go back with her.

I can't believe the trip is coming up so quickly! I will be getting on the plane in 16 days!

Thank you so much for the continuous support, I can't tell you how much it means to me.

With love,

Connie

Anne Stuart, Connie, Olivia, and Giang at diner in Hoi An

About my month in Da Nang, Vietnam

Hi, everyone!
                                                                                                             
Thank you for visiting my blog! I am currently raising money for a service trip to Da Nang, Vietnam. I will be leaving July 6th and returning August 10th.This is my second time traveling to Southeast Asia, and I could not be more excited. My fundraising page can be found at: Help me help babies! While I am in Da Nang, I will be spending my time with orphaned and disabled children at several different placements. These children have a spread of different needs as their situations are varied. Some are suffering from defects that are the result of Agent Orange and need to be given medical care, some children need food, clothing and attention, and some need financial support in order to go to school. I eventually hope to travel to Southeast Asia and other developing and underdeveloped regions as a physician. Until then, I look forward to spending as much time as I can with the children, bringing whatever resources are most needed. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree with a pre-med focus concentrating in biology and applied math.

A little bit of money by US standards goes an incredibly long way in Vietnam. The money you donate will go directly to providing food, clothing, outings and medical attention to orphaned and disabled children. Here are a few examples of what your money will provide:

$1 per day for a meal

$5 buys a dose of antibiotics for a sick child

$10 buys a school uniform 

$10 buys a can of infant formula, vital for the healthy development of orphaned infants

$10 buys a new outfit, including shoes, for a child

$50 buys almost 100 pounds of rice 

$150 can provide a custom made wheelchair for a child suffering from hydrocephalus or cerebral palsy 

$325 covers a days outing to the beach club for 23 orphans, including food, water, transportation and entry

These are just a few examples. Small amounts of money can also provide medical attention for sick children that would not be able to get it without contributions. On my last trip, I was able to bring a child suffering from cerebral palsy in for an evaluation including an ultrasound and medication for only $27, including transportation to and from the hospital. 

Please contribute what you can, anything helps! A small amount of money can make all the difference for these children. 

Also, if you would like to learn more about my last trip, please visit my previous blog at: A Month in Vietnam

Thank you so much for your time and your donation. I carry my mother's passion for service and childcare and I'm thrilled to travel with her in my heart and service on my mind. I look forward to sharing my experience with you!

Warmly,

Connie