First-Hand Aid

In September 1999, Robert Cacicedo and Marc Bohland met a young Cuban physician in their work at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Eddie Marcial had escaped from Cuba with two other physicians — both of whom, sadly, drowned crossing the straits of Florida in inner tubes. Dr. Marcial was rescued and continues to practice medicine in the U.S.

Bob and Marc later agreed to travel to Cuba on Dr. Marcial's behalf to bring supplies to his family in Havana. That first trip was the genesis of First-Hand Aid. Their exposure to the extreme need for medical necessities was overwhelming and motivating.

From very modest initial efforts to make more trips, bring more medical supplies, involve more travelers, and connect with more people in Havana, First-Hand Aid has now grown into a well-organized effort to bring directly and personally delivered aid to the people of Cuba. Free of any political agenda, First-Hand Aid is now licensed for our trips by the U. S. Treasury Department and the U. S. Commerce Department. Volunteer travelers serve as human vehicles for transporting medical supplies and aid, and deep relationships are formed.

LIves are being transformed in Cuba with each trip... thanks to a trip made on an inner tube by a courageous doctor.
http://firsthandaid.org/