Let's help Maui fire survivors combat PTSD with TM
Tax deductible
THE CHALLENGE: The wildfires that spread across the island of Maui in August of 2023 have been declared one of the worst in U.S. history. The entire island of Maui is suffering to varying degrees from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- 98 people have died and many remain missing
- The town of Lahaina no longer exists
- 2,200+ structures – mostly homes have burned to the ground
- 10,000+ Maui residents are displaced for an indefinite period
- 2,000+ children are still without proper schooling facilities
- Parts of the island look and feel like a literal war zone
THE SOLUTION: Research has repeatedly shown the Transcendental Meditation® technique (TM®) is an effective tool for combatting and healing the trauma of PTSD.
Studies show after 8 weeks of TM practice, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars displayed a 50% reduction in their PTSD symptoms, including decreased stress and depression. Depression from PTSD is a significant contributor to suicide. Another research study showed that within 10 days of learning TM, Congolese refugees experienced striking reductions in their PTSD symptoms, and further reductions after 30 days of TM practice.
Watch this video from Salvatore Cassano (retired Commissioner of the New York Fire Department) explaining how the TM technique helps first responders remain calm under pressure.
Maui fire fighters are already experiencing the effects of PTSD (read more here ).
Watch this video showing the first-hand experience of how a New York police officer used TM to overcome the paralyzing effects of PTSD.
WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED:
It’s difficult to quantify the overwhelming impact of this disaster. At least 100,000 Maui residents have been directly or indirectly affected and are suffering to varying degrees from PTSD.
Who have been directly affected:
- Those injured during the fire
- Those who saw others injured or killed
- Those who lost family members
- Those who were evacuated, even though their homes did not ultimately burn
- Those who went 5 weeks without potable water
- 10,000+ Maui residents who are displaced for an indefinite period
- The children of Maui who have seen, heard, and experienced unimaginable trauma
- Firefighters
- Paramedics
- Police Officers
- US Coast Guard (Maui Station)
- Hawaii National Guard
- Doctors, Nurses, and Hospital Staff who assisted directly with the survivors
- Countless families who have opened their homes to those who have been displaced (many housing multiple families at a time)
- Countless individuals volunteering with the clean-up
- Innumerable businesses whose offices burned
- All the businesses that closed due to lack of tourism
- Anyone who has lost their job as a result of the fires or from the lack of tourism (unemployment claims have skyrocketed since the disaster took place in August)
- 2,000+ children who are still without proper schooling facilities
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said, it's going to take years for Maui to rebuild from the devastation of this fire.
OUR IMMEDIATE NEED:
We need to offer this powerful tool of the TM technique to Maui residents who have lost so much and are suffering.
Our immediate goal is to raise at least $100,000 to provide scholarships for as many Maui residents and first responders as possible to learn Transcendental Meditation for FREE. This will bring immediate and meaningful support for our beautiful island. Our ultimate goal is to raise $1,000,000 so that we have the ability to teach TM to many thousands of people in Maui as we rebuild.
Your tax-deductible gift to the David Lynch Foundation will go directly to the Maui Resilience Project Fund and will be used exclusively for teaching the TM technique on the island of Maui free of charge.
There is no donation too small. Even $10 or $20 will make a big difference if we all pitch in what we can.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
A Hawaiian TM meditator told us:
"I know how powerful TM is in reducing stress and helping those who suffer from PTSD.
I grew up here and the people in these islands are all one ‘ohana (family). The recent tragedy of the fires on Maui has touched us all. So many people lost homes, possessions and more importantly, family members. They are devastated beyond belief and are suffering from deep-rooted and on-going stress. Friends and family are reaching out to shelter and care for those who lost so much. Everyone watching this tragedy is suffering, and our hearts go out to the people of Maui in their loss.
PTSD has become a household word. It’s important for all of us to understand that PTSD can affect anyone who experiences trauma, and it affects their loved ones, also. This is what is happening on Maui.
I want to help the struggling people on Maui. Please join me and donate now to make TM instruction available for free to those who are hurting. Together, we can make a big difference to our Maui ‘ohana.
Mahalo for your caring."
WHERE CAN I LEARN?
If you are a Maui resident who would like to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique free of charge, please contact us via https://www.tm.org/transcendental-meditation-maui to get on the waiting list.
© 2023 David Lynch Foundation. All rights reserved. Transcendental Meditation® and TM® are protected trademarks and are used in the U.S. under license or with permission.
Organizer
Maui Resilience Project
Organizer
Lahaina, HI
David Lynch Foundation
Beneficiary