Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007

Dr. Russell L'HommeDieu, doctor of Physical Therapy, life coach and writer with a practice in Riverhead is rowing his way into the hearts of many families. He's helping to give them a chance to be with their loved ones while they may be going through chemo, surgery and many other life saving medical procedures. Dr. L'HommeDieu and a group of wonderful, caring individuals are seeking donations when they participate in the miracle paddle to benefit the Miracle House in New York City.

"The Miracle House is New York City's hospitality house, providing affordable lodging, meals and volunteer advocacy support to out of town patients of serious illnesses and their caregivers. People come to New York from all over the country and aboard seeking medical treatment, a certain specialist, or experimental procedures for their serious illnesses. Often they come seeking hope for the health challenges facing them. Miracle House provides them with a safe haven during their stay in our city. Volunteers greet every newcomer, they host breakfasts and dinners, and train to be client advocates to our guests."

This September (sometime between September 2-16 depending on weather conditions), Dr. L'HommeDieu and the group of 11 other athletes will seek to complete an 18 mile open ocean paddle from the waters of Montauk to Block Island. Each member is committed to raising money for Miracle House, Dr. L'HommeDieu has pledged to raise at least $2,500. That's enough money to allow several families to spend quite a few nights being close to their loved ones. Dr. L'HommeDieu knows what a difference it can make to a family in their time of need. Is it because he's in the medical field; or just an all around good person? Both are the answer to why he is paddling for a cause. With his voice full of emotion, Dr. L'HommeDieu told me his story.

Five years ago he weighed over 410 pounds. He was a father and his son wanted a kayak for his birthday and his dad to go with him. Dr. L'HommeDieu resisted the idea with his "400lb mindset" but "reluctantly got one with the largest cockpit that he could find."

The exercise and the relaxing environment had a wonderful impact on Dr. L'HommeDieu and his life changed completely. He has since lost over 200lbs and continues to kayak for himself and now for quite a few causes. Dr. L'HommeDieu stated emotionally that kayaking "opened up tremendous avenues and enriched my life in ways that you can't imagine."

He's a man who believes in giving and truly believes in patient advocacy. Combine the two and you have a man determined to raise money for the Miracle Paddle. Dr. L'HommeDieu believes that, "It's universally true, everything you give you get back tenfold."

According to Dr. L'HommeDieu, "We're just becoming aware of the fact that we have to treat the whole family. Because of where we live, because we are close enough to the finest medical care, but far enough away where we have to travel to get help, we need places like Miracle House. We should take advantage of care in New York, there are so many cutting edge medical professionals."

He also feels that, "Families take a vital role in patient advocacy. They truly provide the love, support and hands on care that people need".

If you would like to support Dr. L'HommeDieu in his wonderful efforts please go to www.miraclehouse.org and navigate you way to the donations page, select Dr. Russell L'HommeDieu from the menu of participants and make your pledge. You can contact Dr. L'HommeDieu directly at 631-477-6035 or 1-888-4-in-progress. Note that all funds raised by participating athletes will go towards Miracle House's mission of providing housing, meals, and advocacy to caregivers and patients coming to New York City for critical medical treatment. It's truly nice to know that a great man and many caring people are helping to make "miracles" happen.