Update of the Balkan Medical Equipment Fund
By Dr. Willard L. Noyes

This article is written with the express purpose of updating the poker players who contributed to the Balkan Medical Equipment Fund, which I sponsored, especially at the TOC in 1999 and again in 2000, at which approximately $18,000 was contributed by more than 200 poker players. Moneys were also received over the next two years by individual donations from both players and other sources, for a total of more than $21,000.

Here is a brief review of the circumstances leading to this mission: In 1999, while participating at the World Series of Poker, I was watching television coverage of the war in Kosovo, and decided to volunteer to go to Albania as a volunteer surgeon. I spent six weeks in Albania taking care of wounded KLA soldiers and civilians in need in refugee camps and a small hospital in Northern Albania. The need of medical supplies was desperate, and upon my return to the United States, I decided to collect medical equipment and supplies for hospitals in Albania and Kosovo. Funds were needed for this mission, which led to the great response from and generosity of the players at the TOC tournaments.

In October 2000, and again in November 2001, I returned to Albania and Kosovo, each time carrying nine duffel bags full of new and used medical supplies that were either bought or donated by local doctors and hospitals. The value of these supplies was approximately $300,000. These supplies consisted of expensive equipment such as surgical instruments, sutures, and endoscopic scopes, as well as bandages, medicines, medical books, and many other medical necessities. These supplies were distributed to hospitals in Tirana and Kukes, Albania, and also to a Pristina, Kosovo, hospital. Meanwhile, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, supplies of less value, and equipment such as surgical tables, examining chairs, litters, wheelchairs, crutches, and diagnostic equipment were being stored. On Nov. 16, 2002, approximately 30 volunteers spent three days emptying the storage units, and sorting and repackaging the supplies. A 40-foot container was totally filled with the supplies and sent to Kukes, Albania, and finally arrived after much red-tape difficulty on March 24 of this year. The cost of the mission up to that point was about $13,000, which leaves almost $9,000 remaining in the account held in the Wayne Bank in Lakewood, Pennsylvania.

The mission will continue! In light of future developments, possibly in other areas of conflict where hospitals or clinics are in need, medical supplies may be sent. Players who wish to contribute, either again or for the first time, would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to my home address: Dr. Willard L. Noyes, RR #2 Box 270, Thompson, PA 18465.

I would like to thank all those people who have made this mission successful through their generous contributions and physical help in collecting, sorting, and sending all the medical equipment and supplies abroad. Special thanks go to Oklahoma Johnny Hale and my brother, Tom, who helped me so successfully at both TOCs in raising donations. I hope no one has a sore arm from Oklahoma Johnny pulling them in (LOL). All donators are worthy of thanks, but I would be remiss if special thanks weren't extended to the following players for their unexpected generosity: Peter Brownstein, David Chiu, Phil Hellmuth, Ron McMillan, John Urpsis, Richard Tatalovich, Judy and Al Green, Maureen and Bob Feduniak, Howard Andrew, Roger Van Driessen, Thomas and Karen McCormick, Lurtz E. Fifor Jr., Carl Brucker, Bonnie Damiano, Phil Ivey, and Chuck Humphrey. I do not think it's necessary to note each person's contribution, but each was $300 or more. Since each one of them knows his/her individual donation, no more needs to be said. I also thank Linda Johnson and Card Player for their initial help in making available their facilities for the paperwork for the initial display at the 1999 TOC.

Special thanks also are given to my good friend Bill McPoyle, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, who helped me many times in collecting and storing the medical supplies from the hospitals in the Allentown area, the people and hospitals who donated medical equipment, and the many other individuals who in one way or another supported this project. Many words of appreciation are given to my wife, who unselfishly endured my trials and tribulations and my time away from home, and also my children, who also responded to the call, especially in the last project of loading the 40-foot container. Again, with sincere appreciation to all, I remain, Dr. Willard L. Noyes.