Update: Local doctors head to Haiti to provide medical care

HAITI (WABC) -- Food, water, shelter. These are among the the many needs in Haiti right now. But the effort to save lives also centers on medical care.

Doctors and volunteers embraced, giving each other encouragement and support for what will perhaps be the most challenging experience of their lives.

"My people are my brothers and sisters should be with them," said Ginette Sangosse of Association of Haitian Physicians.

"It's going to be very difficult, but were ready to work ready to help the country," Dr. Yanik of Association of Haitian Physicians said.

Dr. Yanik Savery finds comfort in traveling with her husband William who is an investment banker. She's part of a team of medical professionals with the Association of Haitian Physicians abroad.

On Saturday they chartered a flight from JFK to Haiti, bringing with them donated supplies and expertise -- ready to face the unthinkable

"In Haiti we call this a "combete: to accomplish to make an unbelievable task possible," said William Savery.

Dr. Louis August, a surgical onconcologist with North Shore LIJ, is coordinating the effort. "This is a particularly dire situation and we've seen how stressful it's going to be," Dr. August said.

It is also an emotional journey for Dr. Shirley Gresseau, who had to say good bye to her two young children.

Organizers know it's a long road ahead and many plan to stay in Haiti for weeks, maybe even months.