By Carwyn Hill | CEO and Co-founder
During the summer, our rehabilitation unit received the first patient referral from a new helicopter service that has been launched in Haiti. It was a privilege for our unit to have been chosen and included in this inaugural flight, and something the patients and staff were very excited about! The rehab unit is already being used as a national referral centre, and this new helicopter service will support that further.
We receive patients from all across the country, many who have been left in devastating conditions. One such patient was a man who was referred to us over the summer. Like many persons with disabilities, this man was a forgotten figure. Perhaps a forgotten father, son, friend, husband. It is not uncommon that once someone is left paralysed in Haiti, their family and friends reject them. Whilst many would view this mans life as hopeless, due to his paralysis and a number of other challenges, our team have been working hard to offer him new life. Over the years, we have seen so many lives which were once viewed as 'hopeless', being restored! Whilst this man starts his rehabilitation journey, others almost come to the end of their time with us.
One such individual, was another man who was also referred to us in a terrible state. He was found abandoned on a wooden bench at another hospital, physically weak, and left partially paralysed after being stabbed in a gang fight. Despite being abandoned and left for dead, he is now a new man. His wheelchair and rehabilitation have given him new life, and it's amazing to see him whizz around the hospital with a smile on his face, participating in the many activities available for him.
Whether these patients are at the start or end of their rehabilitation journey with us, they need your support. We hope these two stories will share both the moving reality of disability in Haiti, but also the hope of what can be achieved. Please do continue to support this critical work, and if possible, spread the word so we can get others involved! The end of the year is always a difficult financial period for our disability work, and any additional support would be a real blessing. Thanks for your continued support.
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