FORT MYERS— In some places, the horror of survival, hunger and disease, may be worse than death itself. For the victims, relief can't come fast enough. A Fort Myers doctor and his family will go to their native Sri Lanka and help out.

Local physician, Dr. Deva Caanthan plans to go to his homeland of Sri Lanka to help in the aftermath of the tsunami. He says the people there have very basic medical needs.

"I can treat the simple medical problems, like infections, respiratory infections, dysentery, things like that," said Caanthan.

Caanthan and his daughter will fly over March 3rd to help.

"Our hearts are there and this is special for us. This tragedy has really affected us and is heartbreaking," said Caanthan.

Until they leave, his goal is to raise money for medical supplies.

Residents of Southwest Florida have already contributed $40,000 to the International Medical Health Organization. It's a group of doctors from all over the world who will go to Asia in waves, every few weeks, to help heal the people affected by the tsunami.

Several people have donated bags of clothes and blankets to Dr. Caanthan. He says they will help, but those items aren't the priority.

"We would rather send the money to be spent. That would be a better use than sending clothes," said Caanthan.

Dr. Caanthan's wife, Thanam will also make the trip. She wants to do whatever needs to be done, like make meals, pick up the pieces, or just provide a shoulder to cry on.

"These people are like our families, so you really want to be there to do whatever service we can do," said Thanam Caanthan.

Several other doctors and nurses in Florida will be going as part of Dr. Caanthan's group. Their goal is to raise $100,000 in Southwest Florida to help doctors treat the sick in Asia.

If you would like to donate to Dr. Caanthan's cause:

International Medical Health Organization
US Tax ID 593779465
PO Box 901
Bel Air MD 21014-0901

SOURCE:
http://www.abc-7.com/articles/readnews.asp?articleid=2248&z=2&p=