Following this disaster, we face the possibility of disease from the toxic waters and mold infesting the city. These people are going to need help for quite some time. They say they will rebuild New Orleans. I don't think it will ever be the same. I only visited there once, years ago, but I've always wanted to go back. It was the most beautiful city in the US that I've visited, and the most laid back, friendly and fun. I was there alone. See, I used to have this habit of getting in my car and just leaving everything. I quit my job (working 7-7 nights) around midnight, said "screw it" and got in the car with no money, but I did have plastic. I live in Maryland, so New Orleans is one hell of a drive, but that's where I ended up, in the middle of the night, lost and not even sure how to get to the French Quarter. People helped me. I was tremendously naive, and ended up with a drunken local in my car who needed a ride and was helping me get to point A. Probably not the best idea in the world to pick up a drunk stranger, but she was friendly and just laughed at the Northern girl. ;) I wandered around the city for a few days, admiring its architecture, it's people, it's atmosphere. That's the only time I got to go, but I'll never forget it.

Please do whatever you can to help. I'm listing some of the more active charities. Please visit their sites to see how you can help. 

My hopes are that the death toll isn't as high as they've predicted, that families can be reunited, animals taken to loving homes, a minimum of disease, and the victims can get back on their feet financially. You're in my prayers.