Sales donations to other countries, not the U.S.

Sales donations to other countries

by Nim Rod - 2008-04-03 07:04:26

First let me say I agree that too much of U.S. citizens money goes to help others around the world when we have plenty needing help at home. I was brought up to believe in taking care of your own first and then look for others to help. But that is neither here or there.

Unless I'm badly mistaken this site is owned by a Canadian and how that person spends the money available from sales on this site is not for us to dictate. I don't know about you, but it costs me nothing to use the site. I do appreciate having the privilege to log on and learn more about this thing I have helping keep my hear going.

Just for the record I hope you do not interpret my comment as negative, I do not intend for it to be that.

Not to be negative...

by ela-girl - 2008-04-03 08:04:33

Well, as I see it, at least Blake is trying to help others just as those who make the purchases are helping others. What are you doing to help others who cannot afford a pacemaker? Are you starting a charity for US citizens or working for one or contributing to one? Maybe you are (and obviously you helped by purchasing something here)...but if you aren't, you would be better off to spend your time doing that then complaining about how someone else is doing their part to help the less fortunate (wherever they may be).

Just my thought...
Respectfully,
ela-girl

Donations

by BOB 1 - 2008-04-03 09:04:30

Thank you Blake. You are a gentlemen and scholar. The world needs more like you.

Bob 1

Charity should have no borders

by admin - 2008-04-03 09:04:42

Donating a portion of sales to Heartbeat International helps fellow recipients around the world. Since our members come from all parts of the globe, I find Heartbeat International to be very fitting charity.

Heartbeat International is a Florida-based charity that receives devices from US-based manufacturers. Heartbeat works with volunteer medical professionals from around the world to implant devices in patients in developing countries. Heartbeat believes that its work will not only save lives, but will promote peace and as such sees donated "pacemakers as peacemakers".

I’m an active Heartbeat International Board member and have seen first hand how lives have been saved. I’m very proud to be associated with just a worthy charity and hope others also see that charity should have no borders.

Best of health,

Blake

Make sense?????

by auntiesamm - 2008-04-04 01:04:16

I didn't explain myself well did I? Speaking about helping others in 3rd world country, donating used cardiac devices goes hand-in-hand with the cash donations made by this organization. I hope you can make sense of it and what my intent is to explain. Maybe I should not post messages so late at night! LOL

Sharon

Not accepted in USA

by auntiesamm - 2008-04-04 01:04:22

Unless I am mistaken the US does not allow recycling of pacemakers or other cardiac devices. I've been told there is a possibility they can be re-used for veterinary purposes. As has been explained by some of the others and our wonderful Blake, this is a Canadian organization. I feel very honored to be allowed to participate. The help I have gained from this forum cannot be measured in any manner. The friends I have met have been a tremendous blessing to me since I got my pacemaker 2 years ago. The folks on here including Blake, got me through those first couple of weeks when I had so many questions! They have since become a very important part of my life and I am so blessed to have them in my life. Now that you know the full story and have all the info, I hope you will reconsider your "knee-jerk" reaction and at least audit the messages posted. You might learn something that will change your life!

Sharon (So Calif)

Uninsured in America

by gmnordy - 2008-04-04 02:04:03

Being one of the many uninsured Americans here, and needing to have an ICD replacing my Pacemaker next week and looking at least a 70K + bill, I think that there ARE too many ppl wanting to make donations to third world countries. Having said that, I realize Blake is Canadian and therefore, he wants to help those less fortunate. But it really does get to me that like, for instance, on American Idol Gives Back, they ought to be giving back to Americans first. If any money is left over, then we could give to third world countries.
There is not much help for ppl like me, 52 yrs old, lost insurance b/c couldnt afford the $750 a month cobra payments, but husband makes "too much" (and believe me he doesnt) for me to be on Medicaid so that I could get this operation done and not worry about how to pay my bill for the next 50 years.
I actually did purchase a few items from here a long time ago. Didnt know where the money went. Wont purchase anything else now that I have seen these posts.
Debbi

MONEY

by ROSCO - 2008-04-04 05:04:21

YALL DONT NO ME CAUSE I AINT NEVER WRIT NOTHIIN HERE BEFOR. BUT I HAS BEN READING ABOUT THEM PACMAKERS HERE FOR A LONG TIME. NOW I HAVE TO SAY SOMTHING I HEARD MY MAMA SAY A BUNCH OF TIMES. SOME OF YOU SHO HAS A LOT OF GALL. THIS FELLOW BLAKE LETS US HAVE A PLACE TO LARN SOMETHIN ABOUT THEM PACMAKERS AND HE DONT CHARGE US NOTHIN. NOW SOME OF YOU IS FUSSIN AT HIM BOUT USING MONEY HE GITS FROM SELLIN STUFF HER TO HELP PEOPEL IN OTHER COUNTRES. I JUST DONT SEE HOW THAT IS NONE OF YO BUSINESS. OUR GOVIMENT CHARGES US TAXES AND THEN GIVES som of THAT MONEY TO FORNERS. DO YOU WRTIE THEM IN WASHINTON AND FUSS AT THEM. I THANK YO OUGHTA BE SHAMED OF YOSELF. I JESS HOPE THIS FELLOW BLAKE DON'T GIT MAD AND SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN.
YOURS TRULY
ROSCO BURNELL

Dear Rosco

by gmnordy - 2008-04-04 07:04:04

It is unfortunate you want to appear backwards and not too bright on this board. As a matter of fact, I do write to my Congressmen to tell them I am unhappy with how our American dollars are spent.

And by the way, this isnt the only game in town. And it is all free as well.

Get "yerself" some help.

To clarify Sharon's comment

by admin - 2008-04-04 08:04:24

I do reside in Canada, but founded Pacemaker Club to help patients world-wide. Participation and membership is free to everyone regardless of location.

Have a great day!

Blake

DEAR GMNORDY

by ROSCO - 2008-04-04 09:04:47

I GITS LOTS OF HELP FROM SNOT NOS FOLLKS LIK YOU. IM SORY I AINT EDGICATED LIKE YOU BUT I GIT BY. DONT WORRY I AINT GONNA BE TRYIN TO WRIT TO THIS PLAC NO MO. YALL ALREADY DOES ENOUGH FIGHTIN AND I DONT WANT TO AD TO THAT.

I IS GALD YOU WRITS YO CONGRESMAN. AN I DIDN KNOW I WAS PLAYIN A GAME. DO THE WINER GETS A PRIZE.

Good intentions

by pacergirl - 2008-04-04 10:04:13

I truly believe that we all begin with good intentions.

I also believe we try very hard to communicate fairly and honestly and with kindness. However there are days when we are unwell, unhappy, scared or just fed up with the world in general. We type and click before we take time to reflect on our thoughts. We are all under a lot of pressure everyday. Each person's stress level is unique to them. Who can know what has motivated these feelings of arimed... I can tell you, that I care just as much about arimed as I do for the other posters. I am giving them each the benefit of the doubt.

I am so pleased that Blake has stepped in and offered some clarification on the subject. Now everyone has the full story of how proceeds are used and why. It is a huge world and we all want to be somehow helpful. No matter how one chooses to do that. Prayer, financial support, volunteering, posting positive messages :), it all counts towards making our world a better place.
Blessings to each of you,
Pacergirl

Relax

by heckboy - 2008-04-04 10:04:21

Not to pick, but isn't it better to go through life trying to get along than looking for things to be offended by?

to Arimed

by TOGUY - 2008-04-04 10:04:27

after reading your posting..please remember that the next time you have to pay for advise from a pacemaker site..make sure it is an american site !

Stop it!

by auntiesamm - 2008-04-04 10:04:56

Please stop this childish behavior! You've had your say and each will decide how to proceed. For anyone who is unhappy with this club there are other options out there for you. This nonsense that has been generated will have a negative impact on this Pacemaker Club and it is TOO PRECIOUS & BENEFICIAL to allow that to happen! Yes, we do have freedom of speech but we need to know when to speak freely and when to bite our tongues. God bless everyone.

TO Auntiessamm

by gmnordy - 2008-04-08 04:04:36

I agree, I suppose I was just mad because I felt Rosco was making a mockery out of something I felt was a serious situtation.
I apologize if I offended anyone. Debbi