Nev working with a cutie pie at Notre Maison who hadn't eaten in 3 days, probable parasite.

hillside on the way up to wings of hope

here's a photo of our team "rounds" on the children at the orphanages. technology enabled us to photograph and video children with specific orthotic or positional needs to be reviewed by Matthew and Felipe who would then return to the site to provide imperitive care.

a photo of Fiona having fun working with a child at Notre Maison

Felipe and a beautiful little girl who fell in love with him. She kept resting her head on his lap while he was working. so sweet.

HHH Rehab Tent Clinic

Today Rami, Chelsey, Meghan, Melinh, and Olivia headed to the HHH Rehab Tent Clinic to help with the outpatient clients that arrive each morning. We started by reviewing charts and speaking with the rehab techs that staff the clinic. The clinic is well equiped with supplies and has several treatment tables, an exercise bike, a treadmill, theraputty, theraband, and other supplies. We saw approximately 12 patients with varying diagnosis such as stroke, fractures, crush injuries, and nerve impingements. We supplied the patients we saw with home exercises that would help them increase strength and decrease pain. By practicing some exercises at home, the patients will not have to travel from hours away to the clinic in order to make progress in their rehabilitation. We were also able to provide and modify AFO's for a few patients. One in particular smiled and laughed after successfully walking without his walker while wearing an AFO we had modified for him. It was an amazing day, and we were impressed with how well the clinic is running.

-Olivia

More of Notre Maison and HHH clinic

Six of us (Felipe, Matt, Nev, Margaret, Amy and Fiona) made another jaunt "through the town" with the expert driving of Joel to visit Notre Maison with the intention of following through with our previous day's assessments. This included modifying some ill fitting wheelchairs by adding footrests (Matt's specialty) and readjusting the seats and backrests of these little ones' wheelchairs. It was amazing to see the smiles on their faces as they obviously felt more comfortable in their chairs. Matt and Felipe did a wonderful job of fitting AFOs (leg braces) and shoes with several children who would never have been able to stand or walk! I asssisted this whole process and even had the privilege of helping a little 7 year old boy who had never stood or walked before take his first steps, smiling all the way (both of us)! Fiona was able to offer therapy intervention with several children and demonstrating some programs with the staff. Amy, our wonderful team leader, organized and coordinated this effort by listing the children and identifying all their needs and follow up recommendations. This will especially be important for the continuity of care. Nev provided followup medical care for several whom we were very concerned about yesterday. She referred 8 children for parasitic GI infection and medical treatment/antibiotics.
Amy and Felipe were fighting over the custody of a darling little 3 year old boy :), who will soon be adopted by a family.
If one wants to donate to Notre Maison Orphanage, you may contact Gertrude, the director, at Gertrude_Azor66@hotmail.com. They use DHL service to receive packages at this address:
Route Nle #1 Sarthe 41 Rue Camorade #3 Port au Prince Haiti. Some items that they might need are kids' shoes, a solar radio, coloring books and crayons or any other toys..all kinds!
Margaret