Rainbow Families Foundation Overview

My name is Patricia Grisar. I am the founder of Rainbow Families Foundation. Rainbow Families Foundation was organized due to my visit to the poverty-stricken country of the Dominican Republic during November 2000. It has compelled me to offer humanitarian relief to the adults and children in the mountain village outside of Puerto Plata. Please help me in this campaign. Our monthly Newsletters (click here, left column will change) provide a continuous record of the Rainbow Families Foundation humanitarian relief effort. I admit I am surprised at myself of how I have been taken by the needs of the Dominican Republic children. I'm certain it was due to the warmth of the people and pride they showed when I toured their villages. The beautiful children touched my heart. Current Campaign -- Rosalie I have been campaigning to help a little girl named Rosalie who is 3 years old. I learned about this case after the family had taken her to see the only pediatric cardiologist in Santiago. Her mitral heart valve is very narrow and from what I understand she has too much blood flowing into her lungs. The doctor wants to do a complete valve replacement and repair to her lungs. I took Rosalie to the pediatric cardiologist in Santo Domingo and she felt that little Rosalie could not undergo such a big operation. She did a very extensive echocardiogram and also an electrocardiogram. Dr. T wanted to send her records to one of the pediatric cardiologists in Florida who comes to do open heart surgeries. Later she said that he agreed that Rosalie would be best to undergo an angioplasty where a catheter is inserted into her groin or vein in her neck and the mitral valve is opened a little more. At that time they would try to "patch" her lung. Rosalie and her mother Angela Rosalie tiny house Rosalie, big sister Angelita and little cousin Hennessy A doctor from Michigan is coming this fall. He already had 20 kids on his schedule and Rosalie is scheduled as a backup in the event one of the kids on the list is sick and cannot go through with the operation. She had been sick with the flu as well as her 5 year old sister and 2 year old cousin who all live in the same house. I had bought ammoxicilan and pediatric vitamins to get them all healthy again and trying to keep all three of them healthy so Rosalie will be available if a slot opens up. They live in a very modest home near the base of the mountain in Puerto Plata. I am praying that Rosalie will remain healthy and in the event on of the other children on the list is not able to go through with their operation, then I will have to rush her to Santo Domingo for the normal pre-op testing and blood typing. Hence, having to seek blood donations to have available at the time of surgery. Background I too grew up in severe poverty. I am one of ten children. My father was born disabled and my mother was a housewife, tending to the needs of her family. We did not have running water or inside toilet facilities in our Appalachian Ohio home until I was 12 years old. We did not have modern heat until after my father died in 1988. We huddled by a wood stove in the winter and kept warm during the day. When the fire in the wood stove burned out we bundled in many blankets to keep warm.

Fortunately, there are many social agencies in the United States that assist poor families. My family received aid for food and minimal clothing. I am very fortunate. And, as a result have enjoyed a wonderful life with many opportunities. I am aware that there is nothing in the Dominican Republic that provides even minimal aid to the poor families, and no known way to break the children out of the uncertain future they face. I know that together we can help make a difference. The Rainbow Families Foundation Mission. With my Dominican volunteers, we personally distribute all donated clothing, shoes, toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, blankets and linens to families in many villages in the Puerto Plata area. No portion of the donations is garnished or seized by any person, organization, or the Government for their self-gain. Rainbow Families Foundation is recognized as an IRS 501(c)3 not-for-profit humanitarian foundation. Our IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 34-1940069. Tax-deductible contributions of checks or on line credit card contributions are appreciated. Funds will be used for the purchase of undergarments, shoes, and other essential items. For more information send an email to the Rainbow Families Foundation Founder.