http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/stamford/2001-10-01/article9.shtml
Monday, October 01 2001
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11
has boosted interest in volunteering and donating, but some nonprofit organizations
that specialize in services for the sick say they soon may be hurting.
A sluggish economy before the attacks
and a focus on helping the families of the victims since has some local
agencies bracing for an uncertain future.
Some are concerned that those who
live with cancer, leukemia, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses
will be forgotten, even though reminders are out there. October marks Breast
Cancer Awareness Month and AIDS Awareness Month.
"It's going to be tough," said Alon
Marom, executive director of the Stamford-based Global Health Organization.
The nonprofit agency, less than a year old, provides comprehensive health
care to the sick and needy.
At the Oyster Festival in Norwalk
earlier this month, the organization administered more than 170 hepatitis
AB shots. Future goals include HIV-prevention and treatment in Africa,
where AIDS has become a sweeping epidemic. Two weeks ago, Global Health
organized Stamford's first citywide candle vigil in response to the attacks,
an event to help the community grieve together.
While Marom praised the efforts of
those donating time and money to the terrorist attack victims, others also
need support, he said. People in other countries who count on the United
States for food and medicine are being forgotten, he said.
In the coming months, organizations
such as Global Health will face tough decisions, including a possible restructuring
of their goals or joining other groups with a similar mission.
"The stronger organizations are going
to come together and the not so large ones will probably fold," Marom said.
Those who head the more established
organizations are steeling themselves but staying positive.
Umbrella organizations in which smaller
agencies depend on to raise funds hope the spirit of giving will continue.
The United Way of Stamford kicked
off its fund-raising campaign last week with a goal of raising $2 million
for various services citywide.
The agency distributes funds to 35
city-based programs, including the Red Cross, the Domestic Violence Crisis
Center, the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, the Boys & Girls Club
and the Child Guidance Center.
"It certainly is a very difficult
time," said Betty Fairbanks, executive director for the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society's Western Connecticut chapter, based in Norwalk. "We
have a mission here to take care of people with MS, and our overall message
remains the same. But we have to go on with the sensitivity and the expectation
that we may not do very well" raising funds this year.
Fairbanks said most social service
agencies, such as the American Red Cross and the March of Dimes, were born
during times of adversity and have survived.
"America hasn't changed and people
will step up to help all those who need," she said.
The chapter has planned a fund-raiser
for next month at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency Hotel. The gala will be conservative,
Fairbanks said.
Other organizations are trying to
move on. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Stamford has held two walks
since the attacks to raise money for those who use their services. Neither
of the events attracted much media attention but drew more participants
than usual, Executive Director Mike Angarola said.
"The participants were there, but
the amount of donations took a dip," he said. "Even though people may be
giving less, we have to continue our mission."
The society raised a little more
than $100,000. Last year, they raised $150,000.
The American Cancer Society is promoting
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, beginning today. Though the organization
is well-established, the local chapter is concerned.
"If I had scheduled a gala for this
week, I would be canceling it," said Chris Boynton, vice president of the
American Cancer Society chapter based in Wilton.
But he remains hopeful, Boynton said.
"Anytime people become more interested
in helping, they usually help all," he said.
© 1999-2000, Southern Connecticut
Newspaper, Inc
By Susan Abram
Staff Writer