Day 3: An Amazing Boy

Patrick, Tom Bremer C.P. and Clifford, one of the HHHF technicians

Frustrating news upon arrival at the Kay Kapab Clinic today. First, our shipment of 6 pallets of rehabilitation equipment sent over 2 months ago is still stuck in Haitian Customs. Then, we learned we had no power, with no hope in sight. The generator that operates after city power fails, also failed. We were reminded that Mercy and Sharing, one of the orphanages we visit, never has power... knowing this helped us forge ahead and treat 26 patients. We also had two teams at orphanages today.

We should mention the concern friends and family members at home are sharing with us. The US State Department issued an advisory asking all non essential embassy workers and any US citizens in Haiti to leave the country immediately. We are very aware of the "situation" but have never felt threatened or been fearful at any point. We are taking this information very seriously and are taking appropriate measures to ensure everyones' safety.

Tonight we wanted to tell you about one of the amazing boys we met today. His name is Patrick and he is 13 years old. In February of 2003 Patrick and his brother were struck by a vehicle. His brother was killed. Patrick survived, but due to the injuries he required bilateral above the knee amputations.

Tom Bremer C.P. and Patrick

Consequently, his parents abandoned him. Patrick was identified by Healing Hands for Haiti Foundation and his rehab journey began. The first step was in finding a foster family that could help Patrick deal with his losses. In November 2003, Tom Bremer, Certified Prosthetist from Flint, Michigan was at Kay Kapab and was asked to fit Patrick with new legs.

Measurements and casts were taken. Because of the complexity of this case, Tom brought these casts home and donated fabrication and componentry. Tom returned this week with our team and collaborated with the Haitian technicians to begin Patrick's prosthetic rehabilitation.

Today, Patrick walked on his new prostheses. The determination on his face had the staff and team cheering him on. Patrick has a long road ahead of him, but he has a great group of people at HHHF ready to help. His legs will be left with the Haitian technicians to continue his therapy.

Best from Haiti,
Sarah Gutknecht, Nurse Practitioner
Al Ingersoll, Certified Prosthetist
Deb Ingersoll, Support Staff
Mark Kroll, Orthotist

	Healing Hands for Haiti Foundation - June 2004 A recap of the recent Healing Hands for Haiti trip that was chronicled at the EDGE web site. Salute!
	Day 5: A great finish - February 2004
	Day 4: It's Getting Interesting... - February 2004
	Day 2: Serving Two Orphanages - February 2004
	Day 1: Kay Kapab Klinic - February 2004
	Arrival in Haiti - February 2004
	Healing Hands for Haiti Minnesota Team - February 2004

Table Of Contents - February 2004

	Advancing O&P Education: How Are We Doing? In talking with educational experts and O&P professionals closest to the subject, one can't help realizing that there is "buzz," enthusiasm, anticipation, positive energy--and above all, there is real PROMISE in the record of what's been happening recently and what's going forward already in 2004 with regard to O&P education. Feature
	ABC/BOC Unification Discussions: Will They Impact O&P Education? Feature
	New Professional Standards To Enter O&P: A Plan Feature
	Socket Design for Use with the Harmony® System Shop Talk
	Teenage Football Player Overcomes Cancer, Amputation Today's Consumer
	Got FAQs? Got FAQs?
	Helping a Teenage Assassination Attempt Survivor: Seeds of Change? Salute!
	Hanger RFD: Helping Colombia’s Poor and Desperate Salute!
	Paraplegic Conquers Catalina Channel “Don’t think about what you can do—think about what you want to do. And start trying to do it.” Sports Page
	Healing Hands for Haiti Minnesota Team
	Arrival in Haiti
	Day 1: Kay Kapab Klinic
	Day 2: Serving Two Orphanages
	Day 3: An Amazing Boy
	Day 4: It's Getting Interesting...
	John Russell, CP Profile
	Applying Dr. Kubler-Ross’ Theory to Amputation Perspective
	Letters
	O&P: A Passionate Profession Viewpoints
	Day 5: A great finish