My name is Brian Hampson. I am a graduate of Alan B. Shepard High School, North Central College, and am currently studying at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am also currently teaching at Moraine Valley Community College in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
I have been connected to Japan in one way or another for more than 15 years. I have studied Japanese since high school. I have lived in Japan for 6 years. My wife, Mika, is Japanese. We met while I was living there.
We watched as Japan was devastated by last Friday's earthquake and ensuing tsunami. Entire cities were wiped out. Thousands have been confirmed dead, with estimates that the death toll will eventually break 10,000. Even more people have been displaced by this disaster. Food, fuel, warm blankets, etc. are in short supply for survivors.
My wife and I have taken action in a DIY fashion. We started Japan Needs Help 2011 as a way to collect funds that will be directly donated to areas that are most effected by the earthquake and tsunami.
Mika and I are honest people trying to make any difference we can to aid survivors and relief efforts in Japan. We are accepting contributions through PayPal or at our P.O. Box, which can be found on the main page of this blog.
We are truly grateful to those who have helped our efforts. We will continue these efforts to the best of our abilities.
I am confident that we can make a difference and help those that are in need.
Thank you for your consideration,
Brian and Mika Hampson
