Humbled & Blessed

This week I was reminded again that our work is benefiting all amputees here in Haiti. Much of the media attention has been focused on the earthquake victims and the tragedy they suffered. The second group we are equally serving is the existing amputee population prior to the January earthquake. It was exciting to see an older female amputee finally taking her first steps with her new prosthesis after waiting 20 years for this opportunity. Another female amputee, who lost her limb due to a “tap tap” (public transport) accident 8 years ago, experienced the freedom of unassisted ambulation. A third elderly male patient was evaluated for his prosthesis and he is 33 years post injury. He is eagerly waiting for his prosthesis and the chance to walk without crutches. I asked them why they hadn’t tried being fit prior to now and they all said services weren’t readily available and could not afford the cost. I continue to be humbled and blessed to be part of this noble project to provide mobility to all Haitian amputees.