Monday, February 27, 2012

roadblock passed!

Great news! I got on a new flight for the new dates, only problem is I am still waiting to find out if the airline will waive the change fee.
Also found out that the group is smaller than I thought, looks like it's I'm the only medically trained volunteer besides the Dr's. Looks like I'll be doing a lot more EMT-ing that I thought. :)

Anyways, getting so excited! Port-au-Prince 19 days!

As always thank you so much for donations, the support means so much!

-Shannon

“That's when I feel most alive, he told me once on an airplane, when I'm helping people.”
Tracy Kidder, Mountains Beyond Mountains- quoting Dr. Paul Farmer

Sunday, February 19, 2012

roadblock

It seems I've hit a bit of a roadblock. 

The director spoke with me today about how the dates of the trip have changed due to the Dr in charge needing to make a change.  So this means I have to figure out a way to change my flights and travel insurance dates so that they line up with March 17-22 now.  As of now it looks like that flight change will cost $300, which I am working on convincing Continental to waive, seeing as the need to change is completely out of my control.  If they don't waive the fee I'm not sure what I will do.  Definitely can't afford to dish out another $300... I'm a volunteer, you think they would realize the importance of this.

Oh well...
Guess all I can do is wait now.  Trip stress has reached a new max.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

25 days and counting!

30...29...28...27...26...25...

I can't believe I'll be landing in Port-au-Prince in only 25 days!  I'm all set with shots and prescriptions, all that's left now is to buy scrubs, clothes and of course a lot of bug spray.

I'd like to thank everyone who has donated thus far, every bit will help tremendously! I really appreciate it and understand how tough of a period it is right now.

I spoke with the volunteer organizer today and found out that you can also designate what you would like your donation to go towards.  Some of the money I will be using to buy first aid supplies and over the counter medicines but the rest I will be directly donating.  The money could go towards things like pre-natal vitamins, antibiotics and other prescription medications, supplies for the orphanage, etc.
So if you have an idea for where you'd like your money to go please feel free to let me know!


I've heard there's a line at the clinic everyday before it opens.  The only word that comes to mind is overwhelming. 

 With a courtyard already full of patients.

Thanks for the continued support and encouragement,
Shannon


Thursday, February 2, 2012

My Upcoming Medical Mission Trip



March 11th I will be traveling to Port au Prince Haiti to volunteer my time as an EMT and phlebotomist at Mercy Village Home and Clinic.  The home is an orphanage that provides a safe and loving environment for Haitian children.  The clinic was formed after the earthquake but continues helping Haitians today through the volunteer efforts of a team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. The mission statement of the organization is "To provide quality medical care and preventive health services to the underserved in Haiti" they achieve this through providing primary care and social support.  The clinic is open around 2 weeks every month and sees approximately 1,000 patients per week.  As I'm sure you can imagine they go through supplies very quickly and do not always have the funding they need to purchase everything.  This is where you can help!

I have been sent a list of needs that include many over the counter medicines and first aid supplies.  With these donations I will purchase some of these supplies to take over to the clinic with me, the remaining I will donate directly to the organization.  Please consider donating with the "donate" button to the right of this post.

I am posting a link to the Mercy Village website, please feel free to read through their information.
http://www.mercy-village.com/

I appreciate any level of help! Thank you for supporting the Haitian people, Mercy Village and me as I try to do my part in helping those in need! 

-Shannon