Eight Years Ago Today: On the Ground Responding to Haiti's 7.0 Earthquake
Eight years ago exactly: When I showed up with another surgeon, two nurses 18 hours after the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake, we found hundreds of people lying on the floor suffering from devastating crush injuries. As surgeons we immediately started operating. It seems like yesterday. What we found is recorded in this video: https://vimeo.com/16183135
More than 200,000 people died, another half million were seriously injured, 1.5 million were displaced and nearly $8 billion worth of damage was done. Homes, businesses, schools and clinics instantly crumbled, taking life indiscriminately. As a surgeon, I led a volunteer medical response team from Samaritan’s Purse, and in the days following the quake, we helped care for hundreds of injured children and families.
In the years since, I have traveled back to Haiti repeatedly to assist with the recovery and rebuilding process, most recently in 2016. I worked with Presidents Clinton and Bush on the board of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to further support the strong and resilient Haitian people, focusing on rebuilding the economy.
My intimate experiences leave me humbled by the bold strength and remarkable resiliency of the Haitian women, children and men I met. Working by their side I continue to be emotionally inspired by their will and tenacity. Bless those who still are rebuilding from that fateful day, and for the deep losses that so many continue to feel. We will stay with you.
Hospitalist - Midlevel Provide at Trinity Health (HQ Michigan)
6 年Off to Haiti in weeks!
Mental Health Consultant/coach at HYMP
6 年It is truly remarkable to read your story and about the incredible heroic act you and your team accomplished 8-years ago. I think for those Haitains who were fortunate to survive and receive the urgent medical care they required from you and your team , they will remember you forever.
Former Nurse Manager Surgical Services BHSF Homestead Hospital
6 年Our hospital participates twice a tear in missionary surgical trips to Croix des Bouquets. I joined the team for a couple of years and those were the best experiences of my life. You worked hard long hours but the satisfaction you feel after treating the Haitian people was amazing. There are unspoken words, nods and smiles of appreciation for all you do. I will never forget how uplifted I felt after every trip. God bless their resilience and strength. Most loving, positive people I had the honor to meet.