Today marks the beginning of Barco’s Nightingales Foundation. My wife, Frida, and I are truly delighted and grateful for this opportunity to help make this a better world for children in need of medical help. We are also thrilled in being able to salute the courageous heart of nurses who do so much for all of us each and every day.
Two weeks ago, I joined the Interplast medical team as they visited Pucullpa, Peru. During that week I witnessed first hand the surgeries of nearly 30 children. It was a truly remarkable experience. The Interplast team was amazing and they worked so hard to improve the lives of these children, their families and their community. The dedication of this team and their heartfelt commitment to help each child demonstrated the tremendous goodwill of our country and humanitarian spirit of each team member. This trip was also personally transformational in my life.
It is especially meaningful that we launch the Foundation today in that May 12th is Florence Nightingale’s birthday and this year is the 100th anniversary of her passing. In acknowledgement of her contributions as the founder of modern nursing, 2010 has been designated the “International Year of the Nurse.” My wife and I salute her legacy of compassion by dedicating ourselves to making a difference in the lives of children in need of medical help, while at the same time honoring nurses all around the world.