Dear Editor:
As you may be aware, last year I was able to visit the Friendship Village Children’s Hospital near Hanoi, Vietnam, to meet Vietnamese officials and to deliver 250 pounds of medical supplies (and 30 pounds of candy) to the children who are being treated for war-related conditions.It was a fantastic experience. I was able to deliver the much-needed medical supplies to the staff and more than 120 children who are being treated at the hospital. The Vietnam Friendship Hospital was established a number of years ago by veterans of the Vietnam War to help heal the wounds of that war.
Today, there are children and adults that still suffer the effects of that tragic episode in our history. Many children are born with birth defects caused by “Agent Orange” contamination, and children are still stepping on land mines left in Vietnam 30 years after the war.
I have been invited to return to Vietnam by the Veterans Association of Vietnam. This August, I will be returning to the Children’s Hospital with more medical supplies. Any contributions to this effort will ensure its success. Any medical supplies or financial contributions that your readers can make will be greatly appreciated by the children and staff at the Vietnam Friendship Village Hospital. Please contact me if you have any medical supplies. Financial contributions can be sent to Jaime Vazquez’s Vietnam Project, 274 Fifth Street, Jersey City, NJ. 07302.
Last year, I was able to deliver 250 pounds of medical supplies to the staff and children of the Vietnam Friendship Village Hospital in the name of the people of Jersey City and Hudson County. The people of Vietnam learned that there are people in Jersey City and America who care about their conditions and want to do something to help. This year, I will deliver the same message and continue the process of healing the wounds that the Vietnam War brought on both our countries. I can be contacted at (201) 832-1395.
On behalf of the children and staff at the Vietnam Friendship Village Hospital, I thank you for your generosity. Jaime Vazquez
Coordinator, Vietnam Project