Graffiti 2009-10

ANDRIANA REPPAS-RINDLISBACHER

In the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where less than fifty percent of the people can read or write, about 300,000 people died from a tragic earthquake, as most of you know. I had the pleasure of talking to Dr. Tim Rindlisbacher about his medical relief mission to the impoverished nation of Haiti, where he worked with Humanity First, an organization, which provided medical care for the sick and wounded. The team dealt with severe fractures, crushed limbs, body parts that were cut open for days and many other injuries cause by the wreckage. Falling bricks and cement shattered bones, but unlike common trauma, the pressure was maintained, sometimes for days due to being trapped under the rubble. As a result, many of these fractures were complicated by nerve and muscles damage. In addition, open wounds became easily infected and numerous of them remain so.

In five days, the five doctors examined and treated 2,000 patients. “Probably one of the most terrible things I witnessed was the scarcity of food and water. Haitians were surviving on fried cookies made out of salt, vegetable oil, and dirt… yes dirt” says Dr. Rindlisbacher. The group of physicians considered themselves lucky. They ate granola bars, rice and noodles, which they brought along. They slept in tents along with half a million Port-au-Prince survivors. “At least our tents were waterproof. Many people were drenched by nighttime downpours”.

The US Geological Survey estimates that a Haitian resident is 800 times more likely to die in comparison to an American resident experiencing an earthquake of the same strength. Poverty, poorly constructed homes, and substandard medical care are the factors leading to this vast disparity. Every Canadian can do their part and help the people living in Haiti. If you cannot travel there like Dr.Rindlisbacher, there are still other ways you can make a difference. Some families may be able to adopt or sponsor an orphaned child or an entire Haitian family. An NT caf cookie is a $1.25. That small amount of money we spend every morning could provide daily food and housing for a sponsored kid living in Haiti.