Nurse practicioner Pat Dahlberg
Ashley Dahlberg at the Shada Medical Clinic in Cape Hatian
Every mother recalls the instant she is told that she has a baby daughter. Something wonderful happens in her mind as she conjures up images of pigtails and frilly dresses accessorized by tiny patent leather Mary Jane shoes.
Oh, it’s easy at first as her little darling acquiesces to ballet lessons and often declares her admiration for her Mom. But, before you can blink an eye, things begin to change, starting with the first day of kindergarten. Although the change is subtle at first, you soon realize that things will never be quite the same. Then, by age 12, you start to gear up for the bumpy road ahead which will eventually lead to the place where she is meant to be.
In the case of 23-year-old Ashley Dahlberg, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as she had a great role model to point her in the right direction. Her mother, Pat, is a pediatric nurse practitioner for Partners For Healthy Kids, Providence Little Company of Mary.
As a senior at Peninsula High, Ashley took a class in environmental studies which led her to U.C. Santa Cruz where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in the above mentioned field. With a burning desire to make the world a better place, she discovered an organization called S.O.I.L. – Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods – so, in the summer of 2007 she accepted an internship in Cap Haitien, a northern coastal city in Haiti. She spent eight weeks in Haiti that first summer.
Upon arrival, she immediately realized the need for a medical clinic. Naturally, she thought of her Mom. She e-mailed pictures of the precious children in so much need. Pat was hooked and soon joined her daughter in Cap Haitien. Ashley’s compassion was contagious.
When friends and co-workers asked Pat why she wanted to go to Haiti, her reply was, “If I can save just one life, it will be worth it.” She established a clinic and examined 75 children the first day. By evening she found the affirmation of why she felt such a need to be there. A young mother brought her frail child to Pat in a panic, screaming “my child is so sick, I’m afraid he will die.” Pat got him immediate medical care that most assuredly saved his life.
After that two week sojourn, Pat and Ashley’s lives were forever changed. They both realized that they and others could make a difference. After arriving back home, Pat began to describe to her friend Phylly what she had experienced. She suggested that the two of them do something for the children of Haiti that would involve local neighbors and friends. Time passed, Pat and Ashley spent the following two summers back at the Shada Medical Clinic, and then disaster hit the country of Haiti this past January with the devastating earthquake. As Pat’s friend Phylly watched the event unfold, she recalled her friend’s story. She picked up the phone, called Pat, who was sobbing for the people with whom she had fallen in love. The two of them knew that this was the time to put their plan into action, so they set out to form a committee to bring this project to fruition.
Phylly and her friend Trish had organized a Katrina fundraiser five years prior which was a huge success and, looking back, quite easily compared to this. Fast forward to 2010, when a few nay-sayers tried to discourage the effort with statements such as “charity begins at home,” etc. The only reasonable answer is that here in the United States there are social programs to help the poor. In Haiti they are non-existent. SOIL is unique in that it works intimately with communities to empower its inhabitants to work toward self-sufficiency and create change within their own communities.
It has indeed been a rough road, but when one door closes another opens, and their small committee of seven keeps on going. The hard work seems to have paid off as people have become excited about their June 5 event.
Enrico of Frascoti Restaurant, Jean of Entertaining Friends, and Michelle from Critic’s Choice will prepare and cater the food; Howard from Anza Rentals has generously supplied all of the rental equipment; Dahlia of Designer Linens will add the finishing touches with tablecloths, napkins, etc.; Steve from Party Butlers will provide the servers for the evening.
The alfresco gathering will begin at 5 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres served poolside accompanied by Ashanti Dykes, compliments of AMUSE Music Inc. Dinner and dancing will follow with Time Warp entertaining with a variety of rock and country music. Table centerpieces donated by Rebecca, owner of Lily Pad in Hermosa Beach. A great silent auction is planned, and the committee is currently looking for live auction items – if you have a vacation home or airline mileage you are not using, why not consider donating and become part of the blessing to the children of Haiti? It’s going to be a fun evening in a beautiful setting, and the satisfaction that comes from helping the “poorest of the poor” is immeasurable.
Since the earthquake in January 2010, approximately 10,000 people have migrated to Cap Hatien from Port au Prince, creating in an even greater need for medical care.
Ashley Dahlberg will be going back to Haiti in September committing to a full year with SOIL. Her mother, Pat, will join her periodically as her workload and time permits.
Recently Phylly was with her grandchildren when 5-year-old Will gave her 82 cents and proceeded to tell her to give it to the kids in Haiti. Not to be outdone, 3-year-old John pulled a dollar from his backpack, and then big sister Cammi suggested that she donate the money she had been saving for a scooter. Phylly says that was the validation for the project – an extra blessing, and that’s what it’s all about – giving back – blessing others where the need is greatest.
Tickets for the “Gathering at Sunset” can be purchased for $75 per person by calling 310-544-2315. PEN