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A big bug in the bathroom 

First day here

It is my first full day here. I made rounds this morning with the team that is here. The orthopod is on his way home, but two more will be here this afternoon.

There are about 30 inpatients, in four "wards" which are either open air buildings or tents. They have beds or mattresses to stay on, and family members take care of their basic needs. There are many orthopaedic injuries, mostly healing well, but disposition on leaving here will be an issue.

Here is a boy named Christian with a family member who has a femur fracture in external fixator.




No surgery yet today, but as soon as our orthopod gets here, there is someone with an open tibia fracture sent from a clinic.



The 8 day old baby left, but now there is one who is 3 months old but only 3 pounds, as you can see in this picture.



















Many of the patients are here with basic medical needs, not all are earthquake related.

I am going to look at the OR and figure out exactly what I have in terms of anesthesia equipment and supplies for later.

I am staying in a building with a working toilet and cold water shower. People from the hospital are providing us with three meals a day. I had spaghetti, peanut butter and half a grapefruit for breakfast.
Time to get to work!

I have arrived in Haiti!

I have safely arrived in Jacmel. There are flights coming and going all the time. This is a picture of the airport.

Some of the team that has been here are leaving today, the rest tomorrrow. I will get oriented tonight!

I am starting to get settled in and meeting the members of my team. There is a building with several operating rooms where we will be working. It's been a long day so I am going to have dinner and try to get some rest.

My first patient

Before I even left Philly, I heard about my first patient. I got a call as I was finishing packing to get some baby formula to bring along. An 8 day old baby is at the hospital where I am going, it's mother just died. As breastfeeding is the norm, the baby is now in trouble. They have some formula, but will soon run out. I have two big cans with me. I was given some money by someone I will call T. T- you are helping to save this baby's life. The baby has many obstacles to face - cultural, religious and earthquake related. I am grateful that we can try to make nutrition not one more obstacle.

Halfway there....

Liz arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, this afternoon. She and the two pilots, Yuval and Isac, are staying overnight. Tomorrow morning they will fly to the island of Hispaniola, where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located. Liz enjoyed the flight and is very appreciative to Isac and Yuval for their generosity in donating the use of Isac's aircraft, cost of the flight, and their time to support this medical relief effort.

You can see more about Wings for Haiti and help support the cost of the flights at the following site:

http://acenesllc.com/










(this post made by Liz's husband Marc)

The link below is a short video during the flight.

I am on my way to Haiti!

I left for Haiti today on a twin engine private plane from Wings Field near Philadelphia. I am flying first to Florida and then to Haiti tomorrow. The two pilots, Yuval and Isac, are very kind to transport me. I filled the plane with many medical supplies so it was cosy! My husband Marc was able to come back from a business trip to see me off.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers.

Update for Team ANGE

I am leaving for Haiti by way of Florida tomorrow. I hope to be able to send text messages and pictures to this blog. Stay tuned!

Thanks to all who have helped me this week! Special thanks to Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, OR staff.
Thanks also to the many people who donated things for the trip. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

Some of you have asked about donations. There are many reputable organizations that are accepting donations. If you are interested in donating to the team I am with, cash or check donations can be sent to Team Ange, c/o PO Box 1701, Medford, NJ, 08055.

More later!