news and media: news
June 2008
American Leprosy Missions’ Myanmar Cyclone Appeal Brings in over $100,000
(Greenville, SC—June 4, 2008) When news broke about the devastating cyclone that devastated the country of Myanmar, the staff at American Leprosy Missions (ALM) knew that they had to respond. ALM has been supporting leprosy work there for over 60 years.
Immediately, their development department rushed an appeal to their donors across the country and the response was phenomenal. As of June 3, over $100,000 has been given to help the people of Myanmar rebuild their lives. Another $100,000 has been pledged over the next few months.
“I know we have a faithful and committed group of donors,” said Christopher J. Doyle, President and CEO of ALM. “But this response is just way beyond what we could have imagined. We are so thankful for the generous response and the money will definitely be used to help families and communities to rebuild.”
Leprosy is still a major public health problem in Myanmar. The latest World Health Organization report from 2006 showed 3,721 new cases of leprosy in the country. But many others live with the consequences of leprosy even if they have received the drug treatment to cure them of the disease. It is estimated that there are several hundred thousand disabled people in Myanmar who struggle to live, eat and work.
ALM has a country office in Yangon and works through many partner organizations in the country to help those affected by leprosy. The money from this appeal will be used for some immediate relief needs, but the focus will be on rebuilding homes, businesses and developing livelihood projects for leprosy affected families and communities.
ALM is the oldest and largest non-profit organization in the U.S. providing cure and care to people affected by leprosy and related conditions worldwide. ALM’s international headquarters are in Greenville, SC. Donations are still being accepted for the cyclone relief effort.
