'Be the Change: Save a Life' Viewers Donate

Dec. 31, 2010— -- On Dec. 17, 2010, ABC News aired a special edition of "20/20" called "Be the Change: Save a Life," hosted by World News anchor Diane Sawyer and senior health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser. The special focused on the health conditions endured by the poorest of the poor in nine countries, and some of the innovations designed to help them.

The response from viewers was overwhelming. In the first week after the special aired, nearly 10,000 people donated more than $500,000 to organizations working on problems highlighted in "Be the Change: Save a Life" (Click here to watch the special).

In these tough economic times, this outpouring of support is astounding. The donations are coming in from far and wide, including seven countries and all 50 U.S. states, with individuals donating anywhere from $10 to $7,500.

Throughout the year, ABC News will document where these donations go, with help from Global Giving on SaveOne.net, the site that provided the online platform for donations.

We know that these solutions are not always easy, and there may be difficulties along the way, but we will document those too if they occur. By the end of the year, we will be able to show how these donations have been put into action, and the lives they've touched.

This story is part of ABC News' "Be the Change: Save a Life" initiative, a year-long series of broadcasts and digital coverage that focuses on global health problems. For complete coverage and information on how you can make a difference, go to SaveOne.net.