by Ann-Marie DePalma, RDH, BS
At each of the RDH Under One Roof conferences, a tradition emerges on the last evening of the conference. A corporate sponsor hosts the final reception, and karaoke is a favorite activity. Usually, one or two hygienists take turns singing their favorite tunes. However, a group of hygienists known as the Listers are much larger. These hygienists are all members of the AmyRDH.com online community. They have become friends and mentors over the past several years through the Internet and meet online each day through e-mail digests or chats.
Members of AmyRDH come from all across the United States and include international interests as well. Discussions range from dental hygiene issues to personal interests. The unofficial theme song of the group is Sister Sledge's "We Are Family."
This theme has taken on added significance with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Under the leadership of Amy Nieves, RDH (owner and moderator of AmyRDH.com), and Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH, Anne's webmaster Kurt, and a committee of other Listers (Cheryl Thomas, Sherri Bush, Jodie Heimbach, and myself), the Listers came together in an extraordinary fashion to support other Listers who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Within 72 hours of the donation center's opening on Anne's website, $6,920 was raised! Amy and Anne had heard from one practicing hygienist Lister and one dental hygiene student Lister (Alison and Andrea) in the hours following the destruction. Both had lost everything and were seeking shelter in neighboring states. At this writing, the committee has decided to send an initial donation to the two Listers whom we had heard from to cover emergency essentials.
Over the course of the next few days, as other Listers became apparent, funds were distributed accordingly. Donations were used for Listers and their families only and were directed to their immediate needs. The rest will be held in a secure account for the future needs of Listers and possibly to the dental hygiene programs in the area.
As of late September, $9,905 in donations was raised, plus 1,619 pledges.
Whether a Lister could donate $10 or $500 didn't matter, they all came together to help another Lister Sister or Brother who was in dire need. It was a gift from one Lister to another Lister; a true testament of the power of "family."
If you are interested in donating to the Lister Hurricane Aid, you can make your donation at www.AnneGuignon.com. To become a Lister, visit www.amysrdhlist.com.
