Doctor Born, Raised In Tulsa Helping Thousands Sheltered At Houston Convention Center

A Houston doctor, born and raised in Tulsa, is busy helping thousands of people who sought shelter at a Houston convention center.

"We woke up on Sunday and the whole city was upside down essentially,” said Dr. Ryan Huey. Dr. Huey was born and raised in Tulsa.

Right now, though, the 2004 Union High School grad works in Houston.

"Talking with people who have been here for Rita and Ike and other big hurricanes, you kind of get a sense that this is a big deal,” he said.

Huey and his wife spent the last couple days serving people who sought shelter at the George R.

Brown Convention Center.

"It's supposed to hold 5,000 people,” said Dr. Huey. “My understanding is overnight, they were at seven, eight, and 9,000 people."

He added, "There's a tremendous number of cots, but people were sleeping on blankets; I saw people sleeping on cardboard."

Regardless, Huey says people's spirits were as high as they could be, given the situation. People like the Gordons, who are patients at M.D. Anderson.

"We're concerned about others,” said Herb Gordon. “Fortunately, we're in an apartment on the fourth floor, so we ourselves are safe."

Jolie is a leukemia survivor and has been in Houston since January receiving treatment. The Gordons say they're blessed to have stayed safe and healthy throughout the storm.

"We've got each other and a big support group, lots of friends and family that keep in touch with us,” said Herb. “We are truly blessed."