From the President: FALL 2005 |
Looking back on the first year of our existence, we are all extremely humbled and awed by what God has done through this foundation. We appreciate so much the generous hearts of those who have supported us with their time and contributions throughout the year. We know that many lives have been changed as a result. I shared some of the exciting things that we have been doing in our first newsletter (available upon request), and I’m pleased to share even more exciting news in our second. After working diligently for the past two years writing a book about the Lost Boys and my work with them, it has finally been published and is available for sale www.thejourneyofthelostboys.com. It’s called “The Journey of the Lost Boys” and for the first time, it offers readers a chronological timeline of the epic journey taken by these young refugees, beginning with them as children in their villages of Southern Sudan to their current lives as young men in the United States. I’m pleased to report that the response to this book has been overwhelmingly favorable and I’m so excited by the many things that can be accomplished through it. (*50% of the profits from the book will benefit the forgotten people of Southern Sudan). Many, who have not yet heard about their incredible story, can now do so by reading this book. We have received numerous heartfelt letters from people around the world who have been touched by the stories of the boys featured in this book, including those from politicians such as former President Jimmy Carter and students who are now using it in their High School/college assignments. It seems that the Lost Boys are not the only ones earning an education in America, as a result of our community outreach program and this book, American students are also receiving an education about the genocide in Southern Sudan. If you have not yet obtained a copy, or wish to buy one as a gift for a friend or family member, you can do so at one of the following web sites: We are fortunate to have received an abundance of media coverage for our foundation and local Lost Boys this past year. Some of you may have read one such story in the Florida Times Union about a Lost Boy by the name of Ajak Atem Ajok. After seventeen years of separation from his family due to the Civil war in Sudan, Atem was able to locate his mother, older brother and four siblings (the later four of which he had never met). For the previous two years, he had been supporting his entire family in Africa, including the room/board and school tuition of his four younger siblings. This past May with the help of Lutheran Social Services, Atem was able to bring his family to America. Finally, he says that he can re-capture his childhood, which was brutally taken from him so many years ago. We are so thankful for this miracle that has taken place in Atem’s life and that of his family, and we hope that there will be many other such reunions between Lost Boys/Girls and their families in the days and years to come. We’d also like to extend a special thanks to everyone who donated furniture, clothing and food to Atem’s family. Click here for photos and complete story. We were also proud to have been selected among the first 18 non-profit foundations to partner with the Mayors Faith Based Community Non-Profit Initiative. Through this program, all of our board members have received invaluable training in all aspects of running a non-profit foundation. We have also been selected to receive a $20,000 grant that will be used to support our Community Outreach Program. As part of this initiative, we will have access to other grants offered by the city of Jacksonville and additional agencies. We are so thankful to Mayor Peyton and the staff of the Faith Based and Community Partnership Initiative for this wonderful opportunity. I also received the honor of being named as one of four finalists in the volunteer category for the prestigious 2005 EVE AWARDS, sponsored by the Florida Times Union. This was totally unexpected by me and I feel so privileged to be included among such incredible women in our region. I am also thankful for the recognition and opportunities that this nomination has provided for the Alliance. I know that this opportunity would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone at the Alliance. I am so thankful and appreciative for the fantastic team of people who make up the Alliance. A special thanks goes out to Shari Naman for this nomination. In closing, I’d like to extend a heart felt thanks to all of you who have supported the Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan in our first year. I hope that it will encourage and bless you to know that your time and contributions have made a difference in the lives of so many local Lost Boys and the many people that they left behind in Africa. Sincerely, FROM OUR MEDICAL FUNDDuring a recent conversation, a comment was made in regards to the amount of money that we have raised this year (over $50,000), stating that in the grand scheme of things, it really wasn’t all that much. I guess that’s true in some respects; but then again, neither was two loaves and five fishes. And yet, such a simple offering from the generous heart of a small child, once fed a multitude of people. In the past year, we’ve learned that not all-great things are accomplished by the passing of money from one hand to another. But rather, many of life’s greatest miracles occur simply as a result of gifts from the heart, such as those listed below: Manyok Aleer Angelo Deng
We’d also like to give special recognition and thanks to Alliance secretary Maryellen Storms and her husband “Papa Ray,” for transporting Angelo and Manyok to their many doctor visits and for allowing them to recuperate in the comfort of their home, which I now call the “Sudanese Rehabilitation Center.” More... Medical TreatmentsWhile attending a Lost Boys/Girls Conference in Phoenix Arizona, I learned that approximately 50% of all Sudanese were susceptible to several potentially life threatening illnesses, contracted by drinking contaminated water while living in Africa. After returning to Jacksonville, Alliance members and friends began working with the CDC in Atlanta, the Florida State and County Health Departments and Helen Werking of Lutheran Social Service’s, to obtain medical treatment for local Lost Boys and other Sudanese individuals. I’m happy to report that we recently completed the first round of treatments for approximately 100 individuals, with medication generously provided by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. We are currently working on the second round of treatment, which has been offered to us at a discounted rate by another pharmaceutical company. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Alliance Board member Dr. Thomas Waller, as well as Alliance supporters and friends, Dr. Victor and Jeanne (RPN) Miccolucci and their family, (who also provided free medical services to several Lost Boys), for their time and effort in administering and obtaining these medications. Click here for photos and complete story. Special thanks to Dr. Flora Chen who also provided free eye exams for Atem and his family and removed eyelashes from Atem’s mothers eyes that had grown underneath her eyelids due to malnutrition. She also made available eyeglasses for Atem’s younger brother at a reduced rate. Medical Projects in Africa African School FundIn an effort to help local Lost Boys now responsible for the school tuition of their many relatives and friends who remain in Africa (some are paying the tuition of up to 7 relatives), we have started a new program at the Alliance. Through information gathered by the boys, we found that the average cost per student in Africa, for a three-month period, is approximately $150.00. This usually includes the cost of uniforms and in some cases, room and board. Unfortunately, we have very little funds available for this program and can’t possibly pay the tuition of so many, therefore we have decided to hold a monthly drawing awarding one Lost Boy a $100.00 scholarship to be used in the payment of his relatives school tuition. In an effort to avoid partiality, we have asked someone from outside our foundation to conduct these drawings. We are happy to announce that former Jacksonville Jaguar defensive end, Joel Smeenge has generously agreed to assist us in selecting the winners for this drawing. Thank you Joel!
We also purchased much needed school supplies for Atem’s younger siblings from this fund as they are new arrivals to the US. By working together with other organizations, we hope to collectively make a difference in the lives of the forgotten people of Southern Sudan. LOCAL COLLEGE FUNDSummer/Fall Terms - Three local Lost Boys received full scholarships for three terms from Rene Ferrell, providing for their books and full tuition, six others received $6000 grants to be paid over a two year period, which were obtained by Alliance Board member John Trifiletti through FCCJ. These grants provide for books, tuition and a small additional sum for living expenses. All other Alliance scholarship recipients received scholarships totaling up to $1000 each for the payment of books and tuition. We would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who gave so generously to this fund, especially the Bancroft Family Foundation, the Cannon Family Foundation, Wachovia Foundation, the Jaeger Family Foundation, Chris Combest and the PGA Tour. How you can help:On November 19th at 8:30am at Metropolitan Park, we are partnering with the R.I.T.A. Foundation and 1st Place Sports, holding our first annual walk. In addition to the need for participants needed to raise money on our behalf, we are also seeking corporate sponsorships and donations for raffle prizes. This walk will most likely be our only fundraiser for the year and we REALLY need your help to make it a success. We are also available for speaking engagements/ book signings for businesses, schools, churches and social/community groups. (Due to the large number of requests for presentations and the rising cost of gas, an honorarium fee or donation is greatly appreciated) Click here for the .pdf format of walk sponsorship information
Please know that we appreciate and depend on your individual, business and family foundation contributions. Our efforts cannot continue without your support. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a local Lost Boy or the forgotten people of Southern Sudan, you can do so by making a tax-deductible contribution through our website or by mailing a check or money order to: Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan For more information, contact us at info@allianceforthelostboys.com or 904-363-9821 |
When founding the “Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan,” I had no idea what my efforts or those of the many people who work with me would produce. I only knew that we must somehow help this incredible group of young men, known as the Lost Boys of Sudan, to obtain the education they desired and the medical attention that many of them so desperately needed.
Like many from the South of Sudan, Manyok developed a cataract in his left eye, most likely the result of malnutrition and extreme exposure to the elements. His condition worsened to the point that he became almost blind in his left eye, requiring surgery to restore his sight. Knowing this, we contacted a local surgeon by the name of Dr. Barnhorst who generously agreed to perform the surgery at no charge. The operating facility also granted a reduced rate making the surgery affordable to Manyok (with our assistance). As a result of this surgery, Manyok’s eyesight was completely restored and as you can imagine, he was extremely thankful to Dr. Barnhorst and all those involved. But quite unexpected, was the thank you note that we received from Dr. Barnhorst, thanking us for the privilege of making a difference in Manyok’s life.
Many of you may have seen the incredible story about Angelo Deng on the front page of the Florida Times Union. In an attempted escape from Sudanese soldiers, Angelo’s throat was slit three times by a soldier’s bayonet. Miraculously, he survived but later developed a condition called Keloid (an over healing of the skin) resulting in large scars that wrapped around his neck. Following one of many visits to hospitals to treat infections at the sight of these scars, we stepped in and contacted a local cosmetic surgeon and good friend by the name of Dr. Gregory Smith who generously agreed to remove the scars from Angelo’s neck at no charge. Three surgeries later, his scars are now gone and we are hopeful that with further treatment they will not return. 
In Africa, we partnered with an American organization by the name of “Partners in Compassionate Care,” who will soon break ground for a hospital in the Bor region of Southern Sudan. Included in this hospital will be a full surgical unit, maternity ward and living quarters for doctors. Through your generous donations, we were able to contribute funds to “Partners in Compassionate Care” that were used for the short- term salaries of four Sudanese health care workers. These health care workers are currently treating numerous patients from within the confines of a small church located at the future site of the Hospital. We are so excited to play a small part in this incredible venture and are hopeful for the medical treatment this hospital will provide to the thousands of Sudanese people who walk through its doors. The name of this hospital is slated to be called, “The Lost Boys/Lost Girls Memorial Hospital.”
This past January, a comprehensive Peace agreement was signed between the North and South of Sudan bringing an end to the civil war that has raged in that country for decades. It also opened the door for numerous organizations to begin the long process of rebuilding the South and restoring hope to the many people who live there. We realize that the efforts of many are greater than those of a few, therefore we have partnered with several foundations that are currently working in Southern Sudan. This past year we partnered with Servants Heart Ministries 
We also partnered with the 