LETTERS

Thanks from New Orleans Area

Like other ASHA members in the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I am so thankful for everything that this organization has done for the speech-language pathologists and audiologists affected by the storms. The thoughtfulness and generosity at all levels of ASHA has been amazing. Thank you also for the recent "after the storm" stories in The ASHA Leader (that I read online since we do not have full mail delivery yet in my area).

As is often said here, "we're not in pre-K any more" (meaning pre-Katrina). It is an understatement to say that there is still great hardship for many people in New Orleans and the surrounding areas as well as the Gulf Coast region affected by the hurricanes. Each day we continue to hear stories and see things that can bring tears to our eyes. Fatigue and stress levels are often high. I feel fortunate, though, to be able to witness the spirit and perseverance of the people who are here and are working to make things better.

To ASHA-again, many thanks for your assistance. Muchas gracias! Merci beaucoup! Xin cam on! Or, "thank you" in English, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese to represent just a few of the cultures or languages of the New Orleans area that make living here so interesting and rewarding.

Charlotte Ducote
New Orleans, LA
caducote@aol.com

Editor's note: See page 45 for an update on the difficulties in mailing to members in the New Orleans area.

First, let me express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have offered assistance to me personally and to our program at Xavier University of LA following Hurricane Katrina. Many of you offered help early and before I knew what our needs would be. Although our clinic area was not flooded, we did receive rain damage through the roof. We lost most of our audio and visual materials for teaching. Students lost homes and belongings.

The National Academy of Preprofessional Programs sent a check to help pay the NSSLHA dues for our students. Thanks, NAPP. We have received checks from other NSSLHA chapters. We are inspired by their generosity. The financial assistance given to members by ASHA; the Web site for job assistance, the letters and phones calls from friends and colleagues; all have been heart-warming and appreciated. The members and this association have truly been a blessing.

Joe Melcher
New Orleans, LA
jmelcher@xula.edu

My family and I live in Metairie, LA, a suburb of New Orleans. The picture (Feb. 28, 2006) of a smiling Joe Melcher and two of his students, as well as the reports of the various storm stories, made our day! I cannot thank ASHA and the entire membership enough for the compassion shown to those of us devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

As an evacuee in Memphis, TN, I contacted ASHA for a copy of my certification, which I immediately received, along with e-mails expressing support and concern. My colleagues at the University of Memphis, various hospitals, public schools, and private practice in Memphis, as well as long-time personal friends and fellow speech-language pathologists Alice Dunlap and Anne Haire helped me in any way they could.

As a longtime ASHA member since the mid-1960s, I can only express pride in our organization and its members. Thank you all for your kindness.

Cornelia Koniditsiotis
Metairie, LA
koniditsiotis@hotmail.com