The Third Wave_ A Volunteer Story - Alison Thompson [86]
You can also volunteer any day of the week within your own community. Volunteering can be for ten minutes or a few hours or a day, and it does make a difference in people’s lives. To volunteer at home, go to your local American Red Cross, Volunteers of America, or Youth With a Mission chapter.
BRIGHT LIGHTS
I am thankful to the many loving people in my life who have inspired me to write this book:
Oscar Gubernati, for our journey through the very good and trying times. You are a real hero, a loyal friend, and I will always love you. Bruce French and Donny Paterson, my tsunami partners and loving brothers. Keith, Joan, Lyndall, Geoffrey, and Stephen Thompson, my family, who always show me unconditional love and support (and their wives, Jenny and Annie, and their children: Cal, Jessica, Nick, Jai, and Maddy). Jenny, you are a hero to me.
Chris Murphy, my might in shining karma, for your solid friendship and belief in me. Bill Clinton, for his tireless efforts for the tsunami, Haiti, and mankind. Our paths have crossed many times. The money Bill raised did get to Haiti and trickled down to my small work. Thank you.
Laura Yorke, my literary agent and kind friend. Thank you for your friendship and belief in me, and for your inspiring amazing recovery. Carol Mann and her agency, for believing in my story. Cindy Spiegel and Julie Grau at Spiegel & Grau, for their kind trust and vision. MeiMei Fox, an incredible woman, who made me look like a better writer than I am, and for her enlightened spirit. Hana Landes, for her honesty and perseverance in editing the book and her beam of light. Anderson Cooper, my hero who inspired me to go to Sri Lanka.
Tom and Sarah Brokaw, for your support and love in action.
Donna Karan, for your belief in me and for your deep caring heart for others.
Marni Lewis, for your constant love and support and uplifting spirit. You have always been there for me and have always said yes to me. Lola Cohen, my mentor and friend, an incredible lady in such a small package. Sonja Nuttall, a true egoless spirit who puts beauty, love, and others first. Petra Nemcova, a true-life angel who has supported me through her happy-hearts.org fund and introduced the Third Wave film to Sean Penn.
Tony Duke, the original volunteer and founder of Boys and Girls Harbor. David Perez, a shelter from the storm. Connie Tarrant, for her grace and love.
Randy Slavin, my American brother, and his incredible family, my other family.
Skylar Casey, my rock and secret angel. Dr. Novil Wijesekara, a humble soul who strives hard for humankind, making this world a better place, Sri Lanka’s hero and prince.
Doug Kennedy, for his loyalty and volunteerism, never asking for anything in return. Captain Barry, my favorite volunteer and person on planet earth, who shows a constant kindness and positive energy toward others. Aleda Frishman, one tough, sweet hardworking woman filled with love for women’s rights and everyone. You are a remarkable woman. Morgan Spurlock and Jo Amodei, for funding and supporting the Third Wave film and for being great men. Dave Pederson and Richard Belfiore, for recognizing the potential of the story and for showing it to Morgan, Jo, and Jeremy. Kym and Callen Anthony, for constant support and raising the money for a new school in Sri Lanka. David Dibo, who traveled in a snowstorm in Michigan to buy me a plane ticket to Sri Lanka. The Honorable Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and his family, the “godfather” to Peraliya village. A good and honest politician who crossed over from politics to become a volunteer and was later assassinated by a suicide bomber. Aung San Suu Kyi, for her struggle against tyranny for freedom and dignity. Dr. Henry Jarecki and Tony Detre, for constant support and air tickets. Michael Mucci and family, for your love and support. Phil Marber, for constant support and friendship. Judy Shipley and Dr. Connors, for their medical support for my missions. David Magdaela, a wonderful human being. Melinda Roy and Taylor Poarch, my other