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But we can still help transform the lives of disfigured children from around the globe.
The Gift of Life program, which Laughlin and two members of his Rotary Club got going locally in 1996, depends on many helping hands.
Since 1996, almost 20 children have benefited here.
They've come from war-torn Iraq, the West Indies, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and El Salvador. Most needed numerous reconstructive surgeries for burns that left them disfigured and partially immobile. The 7-year-old Iraqi boy had suffered burns in a mortar attack.
All have left with brighter prospects for life. And it cost them nothing.
It's a testament to the basic goodness of mankind, and it requires some heavy hitters. Hilton Head Hospital is the primary sponsor. The hospital offers its services pro bono, as do Laughlin and other doctors and nurses.
It was a program of the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club and now includes five local Rotary Clubs as sponsors. In 2002, Gift of Life International was established, and island Rotarian Bruce Pitkin served on the founding board. With input from local Rotarians, the program expanded beyond its initial limitation to children with heart problems.
Other volunteers include translators, and teachers who try to keep the young patients from falling behind in school during their visit here, which usually lasts four months.
But another contribution can be made by those of us without any of these professional skills. All it requires is an open door.
The Gift of Life program is always looking for host families for the child and accompanying guardian. Hosts commit to only two weeks, though many do much more. Hosts provide a room and bath, and their guests eat with them.
But hosts are not expected to provide transportation, or pay out of pocket for haircuts or any incidentals. Rotarians volunteer to take the visitors to the hospital, the beach, fireworks shows, ball games, wherever they happen to be going. "It's not meant to be a burden for the host families," said Pitkin, chairman of the local program.
Sometimes hosts establish long-lasting bonds with their guests.
In January, 11-year-old Odler Mondesir is due to arrive from Haiti. Laughlin's skilled hands will correct severe contracture of Odler's neck, a result of burns.
For details about being a host to Odler and his guardian, call Pitkin at 843-842-1234.
