Background Information

I have been asked to travel to Haiti from November 3-17/10 with a team of health care professionals for Team Canada Healing Hands. Healing Hands for Haiti is the American Partner. This is a dream trip for me. Long before the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I have wanted to travel to utilize my nursing skills and assist children who’s quality of life is so poor few of us can imagine.

Since January of 2003, hundreds of volunteers from across the country have travelled with teams to Haiti to provide ongoing training and therapy at one of the country’s only rehabilitation clinics. More than 20,000 pounds of rehabilitation equipment and supplies have been transported with teams. I will be responsible for bringing up to 110 lbs of equipment.

In addition to the work in Haiti, I will be asked to share my experiences and offer presentations to schools, medical and community groups in efforts to increase awareness about persons living with disabilities in the developing world. Healing Hands for Haiti is a not-for-profit organization and is not faith-based.

While in Haiti, I will have the opportunity to provide teaching, training, and hands on care in clinic and orphanage settings, and to assist in program preparation and future planning. For the most part, I will triage patients, assist physicians and assess and treat medical problems and wound care.

Haitian people are very proud. As part of their culture, they take care of loved ones in hospital which includes bathing and feeding. Often children and adults are discarded and left on the street because families become overwhelmed and do not know how to provide proper care. One of my roles will be to teach the caregivers of children in the orphanages how to care for children with a wide range of health needs (CP, hydrocephalus, Autism, Global Developmental Delay). This education is crucial so that with each mission, we are teaching new skills and creating autonomy and self-sustaining capacity.

I am required to raise approximately $3,000.00 which will be used to purchase equipment, paying salaries for Haitians and funding training/education of Haitian staff. It will also cover travel and housing costs. Any money raised that exceeds this goal, will be placed directly into existing programs but I will be “credited” with travel dollars that can be used on my next trip. I am also donating two weeks of my personal vacation time. The more money I collect, directly helps those most in need, the people of Haiti who are living in deplorable conditions. Please help me make someone’s life more meaningful and comfortable!

Thank you so much for your contribution.

http://tchh.org/