Fishermen's Fund News

You might have heard that two of the young men who helped save our kids from the river, Sam Bell and Andrés Armenta, were in an auto accident June 18 in El Fuerte. They were leaving school on a motor bike, were hit by another vehicle without insurance and brought to Los Mochis in an ambulance. Andrés was released, but Sam was hospitalized with a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula.  

When Robert Hatch, a Liga volunteer living in Los Mochis entered Sam’s hospital room, his first question was how Hayley, Julia, and Liam were doing.  

There has been over $4,500 collected so far, and I believe the intent of the three teens would be to help out now. Although Sam's medical expenses appear partially covered, the outcome of his surgery is unknown, and we think it would help him, at least psychologically, to know that there were some extra funds to help with school. 

So as soon as possible, if we are all in agreement, a Liga volunteer in El Fuerte will give Sam $1,500 (one-third of amount collected so far) to help toward his school expenses and anything else he needs. It sounds as though he is a reliable and responsible young man, and will use the funds well. Andrés also has minor medical expenses. We can begin to disburse funds to Andrés and his father too - they appear to have little, if any, resources.

Here is a letter we just received from an uncle in Texas:

Dear Dr. Lapp,

Thank you for your e-mail and concern for Sam. I have spoken to him and he is doing well so far. I should know soon whether or not he was released from the hospital. He has a long recovery ahead of him and I am hoping he will be patient and do as he is told by his doctors.

With regard to the fund that has been collected for Sam and the Armentas, it is a wonderful idea to designate this money for education. Sam attends university in El Fuerte and is a very good student. He receives a stipend from his father's estate, managed by  the CPA in Texas you mentioned, quarterly to help with school and living expenses. His father, my deceased brother, did not have medical insurance on Sam and his Social Security benefits are at an end. The CPA in Texas has been able to cover his medical expenses so far. My wife and I help Sam from time to time as well.

I feel it would be best to honor the original intent for which the donations were made by designating that they be used for Sam's continuing education.  He always has concerns about making his tuition payments, buying books and supplies, as well as general living expenses.  

I feel the best way to deliver the donation to Sam would be to have one of your organization members visit him in El Fuerte and explain what your group wishes to do for him and deliver the funds to him in person. Sam is a very responsible and honorable young adult and I know he will honor your donor's wishes. His family here in the U.S. was very proud of him before the plane crash and even more so now. We are so saddened that the pilot did not survive but that all the young people did.

I understand and appreciate the good work your group does in Mexico. I was personally involved in the Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation program called Austin Smiles. I was a volunteer pilot who ferried doctors and nurses to different parts of Mexico for their work. It is a gratifying experience and I applaud all who are involved.

Thank you and your organization for your good wishes and desire to do something special for Sam. It is greatly appreciated by his whole family.

Sincerely,

Harvey Bell