This week, in the course of my travels, I visited Notre Dame D'Haiti, A Catholic Church that is a community hub in Little Haiti. Almost all of the parishioners are Haitian, and are all touched by the devastation of the earthquake.
Even the parish priest is still waiting to learn the fate of his mother and brothers, while tending to the needs of parishioners in the same situation, people who are asking "why?"
As I visited, car after car pulled up, dropping off medical supplies, water, non-perishable foods. Volunteers worked non-stop sorting donations, answering phones, trying to piece things together for a decimated community.
At the Center of it all was Florida Highway Patrol trooper Lt. Pasco ``Pat'' Santangelo, a member of the parish. Pat served the Highway Patrol for 28 years, including taking a bullet in the line of duty.
Pat has been a tireless advocate on behalf of Miami's Haitian community since, when early in his service, he learned that it was one without a voice.
He fought to get bus schedules translated into Creole, has four times traveled to Haiti to volunteer, and has made supporting Notre Dame D'Haiti his personal mission.
When we spoke he was busy coordinating citywide relief efforts for the mayor. His genuine love for Miami's Haitian community was evident when he described his parish home, and the warmth of its people.
Pat is also a cancer survivor, and says that he feels called to use his time to help other people. From an excellent Miami Herald profile on him last year:
"Santangelo said the near-death experiences made him realize the urgency of life. Time, he said, should not be wasted, and time should be spent in pursuit of helping others."
Tonight, as I watch the moving "Hope For Haiti" telethon, I am thinking of this unsung hero, and the many others like him who are working tirelessly around the clock.
They need our donations. And prayers.
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Great story within a story, Erin. Pat is a great role model for all of us.
Posted by: Hugh | January 23, 2010 at 07:02 PM