I’m back in Los Angeles after an extraordinary week in New York, where I participated in ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange along with leading supporters and directors of the American Humane Association to honor the Hero Dogs of 9/11. At a dinner last Thursday, we watched an extraordinary film profiling the 300 Hero Dogs that were part of the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. One such profile was of Bella, a search and rescue dog. Going back to May 2001, Bella was diagnosed with cancer. I read in the Los Angeles Times that the Los Angeles Fire Department could not afford to pay for her treatment. So without a second thought I did. My story about Bella proves that when you place your heart ahead of your head and give to any living creature, you impact the world in ways you would never know. There are no accidents to my special connection with Bella and the knowledge today that she would bring closure to 30 families devastated from 9-11. Please watch the story of Bella here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LO33zLHoek
We never know when the next disaster will happen. Just this past month we experienced an earthquake on the East Coast, two hurricanes, with more on the way, and massive floods and fires throughout our nation. , Nothing points more to the need for families and individuals to have a safe and secure place to store and be able to access their health records, mortgage papers, priceless photos, insurance and other important documents and advanced directives in advance of a disaster or other emergency and before it’s too late.
Putting it all in perspective, I thought I would share this excerpt from an email I received from Robin Ganzert, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Humane Association, which sums up the feelings we all share and which I am proud to publish, with her permission:
“On this day 10 years ago when everyone in our nation experienced what it is to be truly vulnerable, the most vulnerable among us ultimately provided the most profound sort of aid and comfort. So last week American Humane Association honored those unsung heroes of the 9/11 attacks, with an evening of both profound humility and uplifting celebration.
Thanks to those who participated, by any measure our Tenth Anniversary Tribute to the Hero Dogs of 9/11 was an outstanding success. From the moment Rin Tin Tin entered the room until the last notes of Daniel Rodriguez’ amazing tenor voice reverberated through the full, silent hall, together we laughed, cried, sat awestruck at stories of courage and loyalty, and … most important … remembered.
Shining a spotlight on the heroism of the remarkable dogs who risked their lives at Ground Zero reminds us that there are heroes on both ends of the leash. Heroes include those who worked closely with the animals themselves – the bomb-sniffing dogs who made sure the area was safe to work in; the rescue dogs who proved better than any person or machine at finding survivors in the wreckage; the therapy dogs who comforted those who suffered unimaginable loss. I’ve been equally struck by how people who previously had no idea of the tireless commitment and fearless service of these Hero Dogs have been so thankful that we’ve brought their story to the forefront.
As the world rightly commemorates the people – the ones who died, the ones who served, the ones who lost, the ones who brought us hope – of 9/11, we also know that telling and hearing about the animals who shared our experience has brought a deeper meaning, and a deeper understanding to that commemoration.
Today is as much about looking forward as it is about looking back. As a nation and as individuals we all have learned a lot since 9/11. For our part, American Humane Association’s Red Star™ Animal Emergency Services team – on the ground in New York City providing support and comfort to first responder animals – is more prepared than ever to address whatever challenge we as a nation may face. This year alone Red Star™ has responded to floods and fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, there as we have been for nearly a century to rescue animals and make communities whole again after tragedy strikes. Every day, everywhere – American Humane Association stands ready to serve as a protector of our most vulnerable.
And, as you may know, American Humane Association rang the closing bell on the NYSE on the day the market went up 275 points. Indeed, a week that this institution, long in history and impact, will not soon forget. For coverage from this week’s events, please see the link below. Thank you truly for your engagement and support of our mission.”
You can support American Humane by clicking on the following link www.mmrglobal.com/aha to activate a MyMedicalRecords.com account, or if you are interested in joining us at the gala black tie, red carpet American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards (www.herodogawards.org) www.herodogawards.org on October 1st 2011, at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, contact Bobbie or Herlyn , at 310-476-7002, or info@mmrmail.com, and we will be happy to arrange for you to get the information necessary to attend this event.
Robert H. “Bob” Lorsch, CEO, MMRGlobal
4401 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010
www.mmrglobal.com
Follow me on Twitter at BobLorschTweets