Project Report
| Nov 24, 2025
Emergency Medical Care for Children in Gaza
By Harry Bauer | Manager, Philanthropy
Since the conflict erupted between Israel and Gaza, the children of Gaza were frequently caught within conflicts and violence, resulting in injury, ranging from gunshot wounds to burns and trauma from explosions. Emergency medical care was essential to stabilize and treat these injuries promptly to prevent further complications and death.
The healthcare system in Gaza wrestled with shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and qualified personnel. Many families lack access to primary healthcare services, let alone specialized care. Emergency medical services are a lifeline for children in critical conditions. High rates of malnutrition and poor hygiene conditions in Gaza increased the risk of infectious diseases and other health complications among children.
The goal of this AAP disaster recovery project was to train pediatricians in Kuwait to provide emergency medical care to the children in Gaza. The second associated effort was to activate pediatric medical and surgical volunteers to travel to Gaza to provide emergency medical care and necessary medical equipment. The last objective was to align equipment and personnel with local resources in Gaza.
While pain and loss is a sad reality on both sides, this project hoped to bring some relief and support to young children caught up in the middle of the conflict.
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Aug 1, 2025
Maine Gun Safety Legislative Project for Lewiston
By Harry Bauer | Manager, Philanthropy
Disaster strikes communities in many ways. In the wake of the mass shooting tragedy in Lewiston, Maine on October 25th, 2023, the Maine branch of the American Academy of Pediatrics put together a plan to unite, support and create positive changes to prevent gun violence and promote gun safety in Maine.
The first part involved hosting town hall style webinars, along with other support programs, in the weeks after the shooting. That effort evolved to include legislative and community partnerships, and the establishment of Maine Providers for Gun Safety (MPGS).
The Maine Providers for Gun Safety held an inaugural rally which gathered hundreds of child health care providers to stand for gun safety. After the rally, more people continued to unite and participate in advocacy efforts and collaborate on projects. This included working with a contracted lobbyist and many other organizations to advocate for legislation around gun safety. That hard work led to passage of three comprehensive bills: 24-hour waiting period for gun purchases, institution of background checks and strengthening of the yellow flag law in Maine. This legislation could potentially save hundreds of lives.
The Lewiston shooting was another painful human tragedy, but it served as a catalyst for motivation and change.
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Apr 7, 2025
Healing through Music for Lahaina Children
By Christine Bork | Chief Development Officer
The Hawaii Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics received a Disaster Recovery Grant to provide new ukuleles to school children and people living in shelters to replace instruments lost or damaged in the Lahaina fire. At the Keiki Health Fair at Whaler’s Village, 93 instruments were given out by local music teachers, who offered free lessons.
The teachers continued community with regular sessions at shelters and supply distribution areas, including coordinating after-school ukulele classes with the Maui Music Mission. This has been a beautiful way to support the community and bring joy to Lahaina.
The event was also included administering vaccines, updating medical records, and dedicating the day to the collective healing of the community.
Many survivors are reluctant to talk about their trauma, but some children expressed gratitude to the teachers. One said, “This is the first time I’ve smiled since the fire.” Another said, “This is my therapy and my way of connecting to the Lahaina community.”
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