Disaster in Haiti- Missing Cousin

[Guenevere]

Hello everyone,
 
I am asking for support for the disaster in Haiti. My cousin, a 22 year old Lynn University student, has not been heard from since the disaster.  She was there volunteering to aid in relief of hunger.  Her parents are having a difficult time accessing government officials and sending more people to remove the massive rubble from Hotel Montana where she was staying.  If anyone could help spread the message that more volunteers are needed at Hotel Montana, it would be appreciated.
 
Thank you-

[JamesJosephs]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
 
If she is the young lady from Hopewell, I think Mercer County is Chris Smith's territory.  Have you been in touch with his office?
 
 
EDIT: Egads.  Hopewell is in Rush Holt's district.

[Bill33]

I hope and pray she is OK.

[Ceilli]

The situation in Haiti is heartbreaking. I am sorry for the stress your family is enduring.
 
I read the following article earlier which indicates Hotel Montana is getting more attention than surrounding areas. http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100118/wl_time/02880419533791953494195442100
 
Here's another article indicating there are rescue teams on site: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/01/airforce_haiti_major_011910w/
 
Don't lose hope. Best wishes for a positive outcome.

[Sashia]

Guenevere, I'm so sorry to her about your cousin. I'm sure your entire family is frantic. I will pass along the info to some fellow medical workers, headed for Haiti.
Your cousin is in my prayers.

[Bree]

Guenevere - Your family is in my prayers.  I have been following the tragedy closely.  I have friends that are good friends with Courtney Hayes, also one of the missing Lynn University students.  I have hope that they will be found soon.  It's so sad that they were there to do good and yet this has happened.  Even more heartbreaking is the false report that 3 of the 4 missing students were safe only to find out that they have never been located.

[Guenevere]

Thank you for the kind words, and yes she is from Hopewell.
 
We're all praying and I appreciate the support on here-
 
I will also look into contacting Chris Smith's office, I appreciate the advice.
 
Pray for her safe return as well as everyone elses-

[UD_student]

I got an email back from Sen. Lautenberg about me contacting him regarding the Hotel Montana in January. Last name removed for privacy. Guenevere, your family continues to be in my prayers during this difficult time.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Hotel Montana in Haiti. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you know, on January 12, 2010 a devastating earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing massive damage to the island’s infrastructure. My office worked aggressively to assist New Jersey families impacted by this earthquake, including the family of missing Hopewell, New Jersey resident Christine XXXXXXX. As you may know, Christine, along with a group from Lynn University, arrived in Haiti on January 11th to distribute food aid in the country. The Hotel Montana, where Christine was staying, collapsed during the earthquake and I am saddened to report that her remains have been recovered and repatriated to New Jersey.

I have personally spoken to the family of Christine XXXXXX and extended my sincere sympathy for the anguish they went through while they waited for news of their loved one and for the loss of Christine. My office has remained in direct contact with them and worked closely with the U.S. Department of State on advancing the rescue operation at the Hotel Montana. On January 22, 2010, I sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking that the U.S. Department of State work with the Haitian government to continue search and rescue efforts in Haiti for a full 14 days from the January 12th earthquake. In addition, on January 27, 2010, I sent a follow-up letter to Secretary of State Clinton requesting the name and contact information for the highest U.S. government official in charge of coordinating the recovery efforts at the Hotel Montana seen to be shared with the families whose loved ones remained missing there. I have also requested the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Inspector General conduct a review of the Department’s effort to coordinate the recovery of U.S. citizen victims of the earthquake in Haiti, as well as its communications with their families. I am pleased the Office of the Inspector General has formally notified the U.S. Department of State that it will conduct this review.

Please be assured that I will continue to work hard to assist any New Jersey families impacted by this catastrophe. Thank you again for contacting me.