How will you use your skills to help others?

On the third Sunday of every month since 2005, one man has followed his father’s lead and reached out to those in need. Dr. Andy Moore of Kentucky, after persuading a hospital to provide him space, has been operating on people for free every third Sunday of the month.

This hero has saved people’s lives that may have died because of their condition. For example, one man had terminal skin cancer. Moore took him in and removed the cancer and thus giving the gift of life to one man and the joy of having him around to his family.
Moore says he shares his father’s love for medicine and remembers his father accepting, but not expecting, any form of payment. These payments came in bushels of apples, furniture that they had made, or anything else they could possibly spare.

Moore has recruited volunteer staff members from across the state to help in his mission to help those in need, especially in this economy. So far, they have helped 3,100 people.  The volunteers are at the hospital by 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning and leave in the afternoon. On a given day, they are helping 20 to 30 people with various health issues, some more serious than others.

According the article on www.cnn.com, there are 46.3 million people who are uninsured in the United States, and I am sure this number has grown. In Kentucky, where Moore works his selfless magic, 33 percent of working people lack insurance.

The economy is tough and getting tougher, and therefore insurance is not only hard to pay for, it is hard to keep if you lose your job. Though the economy is bad, it does not stop people from getting sick. Moore wants to give these people a chance to live a stronger, healthier life. Due to his kindness, people can breathe a little easier and not have to stress about the bills as much as they would.
Even though this is only being done every third Sunday of the month, Moore is helping many people. It makes me wonder if there were more doctors out there willing to donate their time helping, how many people would be taken care of who may not receive care otherwise?

When I read this story I was truly touched. I was not sure there were people out there who cared enough to help someone even though they would get nothing in return.  I was wrong and I am so glad. Moore is an amazing man and so are his volunteers.
After reading this story I am beginning to wonder what I can do to help people in need. What skills do I possess that may be useful to others?  In a complete act of selflessness, Moore has helped thousands of people and that number is continually growing.

It is time for us to stop and think, what we can do for our community? What makes you special? What is your gift? How can you share it with the world?