We are approaching the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. The remnants of its devastation remain in high evidence along the Jersey Shore. On October 29th, I left my house around 4 pm thinking I’d be back home within 24 hours. I did not return until the day after Election day in November. The open spaces where trees used to be and the piles of rubble along the ocean where homes once were are constant reminders that things will never be exactly the same. But more than that, there is the human damage to consider, particularly how Hurricane Sandy impacted the children in my state and how they are coping with Hurricane Sandy.
According to Save the Children’s reps, many children are still struggling with intense fears and stress brought on by this storm. After the storm,many no longer had homes. “Sandy was the most terrifying experience in the lives of thousands of children,” said Carolyn Miles, Save the Children’s President &CEO. “But the day the storm struck was only the beginning of the upheaval and turmoil many children have experienced since.”
It is reported that as the nation’s leading child-focused emergency response organization, Save the Children has helped 500,000 children affected by U.S. disasters since Hurricane Katrina, including 40,000 children affected by Hurricane Sandy. It makes perfect sense that children would need attention — special attention— in the area of mental health services if they were fortunate enough to survive a storm such as this.
Save the Children now needs our help. Please visit the site and choose how you can make a difference.
Cathy Chester says
As a fellow New Jerseyan I saw first hand the devastation that took place in Northern New Jersey where I live, and also the devastation at the shore. Christie is still trying, but it’s not nearly enough. Plus the children that were traumatized will have that linger on within them for a long time to come. Save the Children – here I come! Thanks for writing this important post, Patricia.
Jennifer Wagner says
It is hard to believe it has been over a year and also hard to believe that there is still so much work to do. I was one of the lucky ones, living in a section of Manhattan that wasn’t hit at all. So close, yet in some ways, so far. I’m going to the Save the Children website now. Thanks for this post.
Patricia A Patton says
You know that is what is funny about the devastation down here. The storm made its own path.On one side of the road everything gone and on the other everything standing. Appreciate you reading the post.
Lois Alter Mark says
So sad. Thanks for reminding us that, for so many kids, the “storm” is not over. WIll be heading over to Save the Children to see how to help.
Patricia A Patton says
it’s awful. In this post I did not go into the readiness element by state. Fortunately, New Jersey has gotten its act together and has a readiness plan for future natural catastrophes in schools.
Sheryl says
It’s unbelievable that after all this time, people are still feeling the effects of Sandy – in so many ways. I think an event like that imbeds itself on all of us, especially the immediate victims…but so many of us put it in the background. Thanks for giving this the attention it needs and deserves.
Patricia A Patton says
You are absolutely right Sheryl. I decided I no longer want to spend winters here. It’s a sad little town in the winter and when I am out I am in the city. But the whole event gave me pause. I reexamined my priorities. So I guess I too am still feeling the after effects. Thanks for reading this Sheryl and for commenting.