President’s Message
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
VAN S. ONG, RN TERM 2009 – 2011
It is with great pride and honor to belong to a prestigious organization known as the Far Eastern and American Nurses Association (FANA) of Great Lakes of Michigan. It is worth noting the uniqueness of FANA as an organization because of its free medical and surgical care services provided to the underprivileged and needy families here and abroad. This humanitarian effort and leadership comes from the heart of our dedicated medical mission team volunteers and professionals. Proudly said, our purpose is to carry a responsibility to do what we can when it will make a difference.
As Stewart Friedman said “ Leader in its most important sense means being the agent of your own life, influencing the things you care about most in the world to make it a richer life.” My interpretation of leadership in essence is; to be a good leader and follower. One must possess a strong determination to do what is right and to be able to share the organization’s vision, goals and values for the common good. There is no potential for accomplishment without a follower who is motivated to support the leader and work together toward change and progress.
FANA’s leadership had been shown not only in participating in Michigan’s nursing legislative process but most importantly, in care giving as a whole. This year, marks the 4th anniversary of FANA in its extraordinary missionary work performance. One recent project of FANA was sending food, clothing, medication and monetary contribution to the devastated part of the Philippines affected by series of catastrophic typhoons. As an organization, we donated survival items to the local flood stricken communities. Since the organization’s existence, we have already accomplished two major medical and surgical missions. Currently, we are partnering with the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion and Wayne State University College of Pharmacy to obtain additional antibiotics for Leptospirosis disease management. This antibiotic is very crucial to the health of those who were exposed to contaminated flooded water. These medications are expensive and substantially unaffordable to the indigent people of the Philippines.
Last but not least, our donation comes from organizations, corporations, and membership fees as well as the good will of our sponsor World Medical Relief Organization and individual charity giving. Our community activities have included the Annual Health Expo events, providing educational advancement symposiums for nursing professionals, and other allied health care providers. We also held in fund raising activities to support our mission. Our efforts had flourished over the years through excellent commitment and great endeavors tendered by our hard working team. As the saying goes, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
In closing, I encourage each one of you to be proactive and start volunteering for a great cause. It is through giving that we can make a difference to the society that we live in. By providing our generous time and effort, we can improve and be relevant to the lives of other people. Be a member NOW! Complete the Membership Application or Donation Request Form, now available online!