*View our pictures and stories: http://theifpd.org/wp/2010/09/20/haiti-the-week-in-pictures/*

When a major earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010 the whole world rushed to aid the people whose lives were impacted so dramatically… an unimaginable loss of lives and limbs that touched the heartstrings of millions across the world.

 

 But the need for durable medical devices (wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic components and braces) and trained personnel to assist the injured with the long rehabilitation process, will only increase as the nation tries to rebuild with a whole generation of amputees. It is extremely difficult to live with a disability in an impoverished, broken society. Even more so in a society where a disability is often seen as a curse, a punishment, something to be ashamed of, or even a contagious disease. 

One of the concerns in Haiti is that the world will forget about them in a few months and all the aid that has been rushed to them up to now will dry up… Amputees need long term care. This is where we believe the IFPD, with your help, can make a difference.

 The IFPD decided to contact HEALING HANDS FOR HAITI.  They have a clinic in Haiti and have worked there for many years. We have supplies and clinicians willing to donate their expertise.

 We had a team consisting of 8 team members going to Haiti between JUNE 5 – 19, 2010 to assist in manufacturing and fitting orthotics and prosthetics, as well as other rehabilitation services. We were working on the ground with HEALING HANDS FOR HAITI.

  

OUR TEAM:

Cobus Venter – Orthotist/Prosthetist, Michael Carlson – Prosthetist/Orthotist,  Dan Palma – O & P Technician, Melanie Read – Occupational Therapist, Alex De Vries – Physiotherapist, Jamin Eggert – Bio-engineer/Pre-med Student, Lisa Russell – Support, Jana Venter – Support

 BACK FROM HAITI!

Thank you…

- to Michael, Dan, Jamin, Lisa, Melanie and Alex for giving so much of themselves while in Haiti. It was an enriching and humbling experience.

 

- to Sheila at Sheila’s Cruises and Travel in British Columbia, Canada for our travel arrangements.

- to Healing Hands for Haiti (Jan and the Utah team) for having us join their group and all the arrangements they made.

  - to Dr. June (AdvantageHaiti) and the staff at the clinic in Les Cayes: Karen, Frankel, Isarak, Lizette, Ulrike, Marvin and Carmen.

You can read more about our trip at http://theifpd.org/wp/2010/06/ and you can still donate to our HAITI FUND as we plan on going back again next year!