THE Kanawha Valley Radiologists facility at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston closed two years ago, which left it with excess X-ray equipment and the like.

Dr. Richard Hayes of South Charleston, who has participated in medical mission trips to Haiti for years, suggested that such equipment would be most welcome there. The radiologists agreed, but getting the equipment to Haiti took some doing and much volunteer help.

Tim Martin of Radon Medical Imaging in Ona volunteered to move and set up the equipment. His employees said the experience was an eye-opener.

"If you don't see the desperation firsthand, it's hard to understand," said Dave Terry.