Sunday, May 31st, was a beautiful sunny day in St. Paul, Minnesota.  It was also a very productive day for Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam (HSCV).  A 5K run/walk was held at Lake Phalen Park to fundraise for impoverished children in Vietnam.  The initial goal was to raise funds to assist an 11-year-old girl, named Thao, who suffered severe burns with scars covering her face, scalp and body since the age of 4.  Thao is currently receiving treatment in California.  Her family is too impoverished to cover her basic needs while she gets the life changing surgeries she needs to live a more full and dignified life.  HSCV successfully raised 50% MORE than their goal.  The additional funds will assist HSCV in their programs of food, shelter and education.

Cardiostart is being assisted by HSCV to provide education and life-saving heart surgery this November in Hanoi, Vietnam.  Cardiostart Vice-President Janine Henson, Dr. Elizabeth Lindeke, and Murtice Sherek volunteered to attend the water and emergency medical station at the half way point.  Fortunately, their work was all in water distribution.  Congratulations to all the runners and walkers on a very successful day.