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The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) has started the long process of recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ike. UTMB sustained hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to its facilities and equipment.
The storm also hit students hard. Ashley Agan, a second-year student and president of the UTMB Medical Student Section, said in an interview for the November issue of Texas Medicine that most second-year students were not on the island when the storm hit because they had begun a short break the week before. Consequently, many had no opportunity to collect their books, notes, clothes, or other items from their homes or apartments.
Some of those students went back when Galveston officials opened the island briefly for a "look and leave" opportunity for residents to assess damage to their homes. Those who did posted photographs of their homes and those of other students on Facebook. "My friends have posted pictures of mud in their houses," Ms. Agan said. "It's just heartbreaking."
You can help. The TMA Foundation is conducting a special campaign to help students recover. You can donate online to the UTMB Medical Student Recovery Program. A tax-deductible gift of any amount will make a difference.
Action, Nov. 17, 2008
Last Published: 6/1/2009 Print this page
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