Dear Community,

In wake of the devastation incurred by what has been described as being the most powerful storm (on record) to have ever hit the central Philippine--I would like to take a second and express, on behalf of all Eldorado CSC & AHS staff, and members of the Executive Team, our thoughts and heartfelt wishes for those who have been impacted by the recent typhoon. Our prayers and thoughts are channeled towards the resilience, courage, and strength of all who have been either directly or indirectly affected by this magnanimous natural disaster. Allow me to share some facts* which have surfaced in the aftermath:

• Typhoon Haiyan had winds of 195mph and gusts of 235mph 
• The storm was calculated to have been over 300 miles wide (the width being equal to the distance between Boston and Philadelphia)
• The UN reports more than 600,000 people have been displaced--majority having no access to food, clean water, and medicine

Let us express utmost compassion & sincere understanding for our colleagues who might have family and friends in the impacted regions. Daisaku Ikeda, a Buddhist philosopher and scholar, states that "the course of our lives is determined by how we react--what we decide and what we do--at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness". Please continue to strive forth and live with the determination to conquer all odds; emerging victorious no matter what the outcomes might be. With this sentiment, we commend your strength and continue to earnestly wish for your well-being and the speedy recovery of the Filipino community.

*Source: CNN & USA Today