We all felt helpless when the terrible disaster hit Nepal.  AAI is  responding by re-launching a relationship with Dooley Intermed’s flight attendant program, providing relief to children and families. See this LINK

In 1976 Pan American World Airways launched this program to allow “stewardesses” to be granted a three month leave of absence without pay, to voluntarily work in the various projects which in turn agreed to provide them with room, board and health care while Pan Am provided transportation to and from the project sites. The “stewardesses” worked along-side Intermed’s doctors and nurses in its clinics, hospitals, orphanages and schools or wherever there was a need for extra help. They were assigned to project sites in India, Nepal, Viet Nam, Laos, Nicaragua and Thailand.

Eleven national and international airlines soon agreed to cooperate in this effort allowing their own flight crew to work in Intermed’s, projects. Over the 20 years 230 stewardesses from the various airlines participated in this humanitarian effort carried out by these courageous, dedicated volunteers. They were called upon to do tasks which most had never done before – – help the doctors in a Laotian clinic – – use puppets to teach hygiene and public health in Thailand – – assist the Intermed doctors in carrying out immunization programs in Nepal.

I’m personally very proud of the Stewardess Program, and it is my belief, that this unique undertaking represented charity at its very finest.                         Verne Chaney founder, Dooley Intermed

The Dooley Foundation and Wilderness International were honored at a fundraiser at New York’s Explorers Club on May 20.  Buddist Monk Kehmpo Pema Wangdak blessed each participant for their efforts with a special “kata” prayer scarf.

AAI’s Kate Jewell worked in Nepal with the program in the 1970’s and loves the Nepali people.  She reached out to Scott Hamilton, the Executive Director to restart the program.  Kate will lead a follow up mission in September to kick off 8 missions this year to support AIRINTERMED, teams of 2 – 4 will leave every two weeks to work at an orphanage and Eco farm in the Sanku Valley…..Click HERE for itinerary and email Kate at drkatejewell@yahoo.com