‘Bringing hope, changing lives’

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    In Dr. Ted and Iva Sussman’s words, “Our town of Houlton is bringing hope and changing lives with their unbelievable generosity in supporting us in our passion.”
    The Sussmans will leave in mid-February for their fourth trip to Cambodia. Dr. Sussman is associated with the Health Volunteer Overseas Organization that brings medical specialists to areas in need. He will focus on the teaching and training of medical personnel at a hospital in the city of Phnom Penh. Dr. Sussman will be working in this city of 1.2 million people, rather than a village as was reported in an earlier edition of the Pioneer Times.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
SHOWING SUPPORT — Mary Beth DiMarco, left, signs up for the Silent Auction during the Sussman fundraiser held at the Elks Club, Jan 10. Tina Brown, center, one of the organizers for the event was assisted by Nicole Hutchinson,right.
    Last weekend’s public supper organized by Houlton Regional Hospital nurses, Tina Brown and Tammy Farwell, and assisted by many other supporters was a huge success. The committee reported that approximately 400 people were served and they raised several thousand dollars. Many businesses from the Houlton area donated items for the silent auction, while other groups donated food to sell, including Cathy Bither and the Region Two culinary arts students. The money will be used to purchase a variety of medical equipment, medications for the hospital and school supplies for children.
    Dr. Sussman is very appreciative of the work and support from his colleagues at Houlton Regional Hospital.
    “They didn’t have to do this,” said Dr. Sussman, “but they did, and I can’t say enough about their support for our endeavor.”
    “There is no other place like Houlton and the surrounding towns,” said Iva. “When Ted and I saw the amount of people that came to the supper we were both overwhelmed. We were particularly moved by the interest shown by many students and when some children came with plastic bags of pennies to donate, we both became very emotional,” she added.
    Both Brown and Farwell commented on the generosity of individuals, businesses and the Elks Club in putting this event together. Without a collaborative effort it wouldn’t have been as successful.
    Please look for related article in next week’s issue of the Pioneer Times.