Arrived!

Wow, it's been a LONG day! But after two flight with an obscene layover in the middle of the night and then an epic drive from Port au Prince to Les Cayes...I've had a cold shower, a pizza dinner, washed my face and brushed my teeth and I'm now resting horizontal with a nice fan blowing an crickets outside.

Marvin and Carmen, the prothetists, are still here and were able to give me an updated to changes in the clinic. It's great having 2 other PTs here so we can be a little team. Even more fortunate that tomorrow is Friday, so clinic will be slow and we can all orient and not have to rush. That will be Monday! Even better Marvin said we should go to the beach if the weather cooperates this weekend!

Nighty night!

Sent from my iPhone

Packed and off to the airport! The black bag is donations for the Advantage clinic, the larger blue bag is all my stuff for nearly 5 weeks, and the backpack's my carry on/laptop. Let the adventure begin!

Today's heroes....Phil & Jim

A big thanks to Phil & Jim for their donations to support my trip. You guys are great! Who wants to be a hero tomorrow?  Just click the donation link and it could be you!

Still need to do some last minute shopping, but I do feel much less anxious today.  It also helps that I've confirmed a ride to the airport, and that all my in-country travel has been figured out (for as much as people picking me up in their trucks and driving me around Haiti can be).

My to-do list for the next 24 hours:

• Get some Advil that's not in gelcap form. Gelcaps and humidity don't mix well.
• Triple check my personal first aid kit.  I think I'm missing some stuff (itch cream for bites, meds for possible tummy issues), but had more than I thought.
• Do laundry!  Nothing worse than returning home after being gone this long to a pile of dirty clothes to go with the dirty clothes you brought back with you.  Except for not having clean sheets on your bed.
• Debate about what clothes to bring.  Alternate between thinking I've got too many, then too few.  Then worry I will have nothing appropriate to wear in NYC.  Rinse, repeat.
• PACK!

Last night was a bit hilarious.  I had all the outlets in the living room occupied with chargers (camera batteries, solar charger, Kindle, iPhone, MacBook).  Must find a way to deal with the tangle of cords I need to bring as well.

Today's my last day at work.  I will be doing a bit of work from home tomorrow morning, it was the only day 4 of us could find to record a podcast discussing a recent journal article for PTJ, but plan on doing last minute errands and packing (and re-packing) prior to my pick up for the airport at 1:15 pm (thanks, Tricia!).  Wish me luck!

OMG...less than 48 hours to departure!

It's a bit sad to read back at last year's blog. 
A) People were so much more interested in Haiti.  It was in the news.  Now, not so much.  Needs still there, but the lack of media attention is a bit sad.
B) I was so much more organized! I just confirmed some within country transportation details about 2 hours ago.  Two hours ago!  I still have shopping for supplies to do, and I don't even have a list of what I need!  I got my anti-malarial prescription filled last week, on the last day I could because I have to start taking those a week before I leave!
C) I'm taking some work with me.  This may be a great plan, since it will mean I will have my computer (doesn't mean I'll find reliable internet access).  But I had hoped to be farther ahead on some work projects so that I wouldn't have to bring it with me.
D) I've done a lousy job soliciting donations.  Way lousy.

On the up side, I don't feel nearly as anxious about getting to Port au Prince.  I'm not too nervous about what things will be like on a daily basis.  I know I love the food, and I know I will adore working so hard I make knee sweat stains on my scrubs every day.  I also know I'm excited because lots of the people I will be working with will be new, and some will be around from last year.

Most of all, I'm excited.  And friends and family are excited for me.  Which is a big help.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support my trip, please click the link over there.  Secure online donation you can write off!  I could use the support, so please give if you can.  Thanks!

Donation Requests, 2011 edition

It's that time...shilling for donations.You guys were great last time with your generous donations of everything from cash to snacks to clothing to supplies. This year I'm focusing on medical and other equipment for the clinic, since a lot of the personal items donated last year I can bring again this year.

Things in Haiti still need your help. I appreciate everyone's donations, large and small. And thanks in advance!

Medical equipment for clinic use:

• Ace elastic wraps (4 inch and 6 inch): this is the biggest need.  These are used to shape a persons residual limb (aka stump) so they can get fitted for a prosthesis.  This is the first step in getting a person with an amputation at limb.  Very essential, and is short supply!
• Stump shrinkers, especially for transfemoral amputees (all sizes): Used to shape the residual limb and to pad the skin so the prosthesis doesn't rub it and make blisters.  Very needed, but if you don't work in medicine, hard to find.
• Latex-free gloves: large or extra large.  These are always needed!

Everyday stuff for use at the clinic:

• Cheap panty house (any size or color): these are used in the fabrication of the prostheses. They can be used, but can't have any runs (or only one small one), otherwise they don't work right. 
• Zip-lock bags (quart and gallon size)
• Men's briefs (sizes med & large
• Women's underwear (sizes 6 & 7) 

Donations to for me to use at the clinic:

• Scrubs (XL preferred, any color except white): this is what I wear to work in.  I left mine there last year for other staff and patients to use, and don't expect any in stock for me.  I will again leave these at the clinic on my departure for the Haitian staff and patients to use. 
• Electrolyte gel (Clif Bloks preferred): these saved me when I was sick during last year's trip.  Easy to eat when you don't feel well, loaded with electrolytes which deplete fast with the heat/humidity, and tasty.
• Cheap ballpoint pens (black ink preferred): To use and leave at the clinic. No one can ever have enough pens.  Heck, send me some with your company name/logo and be famous in Haiti!

Donations to support the costs of room, board, translation services, and transportation costs:

• I'm again funding myself to the East Coast.  Any monetary donation would fund travel from NYC to Haiti, my on the group transport in Haiti, room/board, and translation assistance at the clinic.  New this year, your donation through Medical Teams International is tax-deductible!  It goes to fund my costs, but goes through them so you can write it off!  If I raise more money than my costs, they will save it for my trip next year!  Click this link to donate to help with my costs! Just click my name, and voila!

Donating supplies?  You can drop them off outside my office door at the SMU campus or email me and I'll send you my address so you can mail them to me.  Remember, I am departing on July 13, so donations should be to my by July 11 if possible so I have time to pack them all up!


I'm doing the 'Blog Roll of Fame' again this year, so join those who've already made generous donations and get your name in lights on the internets!  Thanks again!