St. Damien Update
Today, Fr. Rick left to return to the US to take care of his dying mother. We wish him peace and safe travels during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Dr. Roberto from Italy is filling in as Medical Director of St. Damien.
Our triage is functioning nicely and we continue with registration but we aren't able to analyze figures yet; we should know more in the next few days.
The wounds of the patients that are coming in are getting worse. There are fractures and soft tissue injuries. Besides the medical volunteer teams that are on the way, we are receiving people at the door to volunteer. Today a team of traveling surgeons from the Dominican Republic were making castings. We are continually being amazed by our staff.
There are now tents in the back yard where the Italians set-up a state of the art operating system to help supplement our work.
The second OR is now functioning so people continue to receive surgery without pause.
The first of the ground shipment of supplies was received. Two trucks arrived with food and medical supplies organized by NPH DR, paid by Andrea Bocelli.
Patients and staff have returned to some areas of the hospital that were closed. The Italian Civil Defense forces said it was safe. This was a huge help because we were concerned for children that were exposed to the weather. People are afraid and not everyone wants to go inside. We are working on convincing the staff in a kind and practical manner.
A one-year-old baby arrived with part of her skull and face missing. A visiting celebrity, Jimmy Jean Luis took her photo to show on CNN’s Larry King Live tonight. We hope with this national exposure that we might be able to connect with an organization that can help us find her some continued medical assistance.
Today there were visits from the top two anchors of the UK, Sky TG 24 from Italy, LA 7 Telecom and American Fox 5. The journalists are typically overwhelmed when they visit us.
St Damien Update dictated over phone by Peter Tinnemann to Monica Gery
Who We Are
We are a group of returned volunteers living in Ireland who have worked mainly with Nos Petites Freres et Soures NPFS (Our Little Brothers & Sisters - Haiti).
If you would like to donate funds directly to the Irish branch of NPFS the bank account details are below:
Account Name:
Our Little Brothers and Sisters
6 Brookwood Avenue
Artane
Dublin 5
Sort Code: 900746 Bank of Ireland, Dublin Airport
Account No: 42863621
Since our return we have all shared a hope and passion for Haiti and her people, keeping in contact with our friends and colleagues there and at home.
These past few days have shocked us all. We are so thankful for all those who are safe and well and continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Aims Are Simple
To help to keep the spirit of hope alive by offering support and encouragement to our friends and colleagues in Haiti
We wish to create a hub of communication between friends and colleagues with shared experiences working in Haiti
Background
Irish and International Aid Agencies have worked alongside many dedicated local people on sanitation, communication, health, education childcare and environmental / shelter programes.
The Irish have always been well represented working away quietly and diligently – with help of funds raised in various parishes, clubs, communities and private donations in Ireland.
Practical Things You Can Do
Send a message of support and love by posting a message on this blog or emailing it to us and we will post it for you. Our email address is : irishresponse@gmail.com
Donate money or organise a local fundraising event
Keep yourself informed
Spread the word
Donate money or organise a local fundraising event
Keep yourself informed
Spread the word
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment