Shenandoah University: Haiti Relief

It has been four months since Shenandoah University last sent a team to Haiti. During those two post-earthquake trips, SU committed to three future initiatives: to lead a partnership to raise the funds to re-build the College Catherine Flon (a K-12 school) in Carrefour that had been destroyed by the earthquake; to organize future health profession mission trips to Haiti; and to help a little five year old girl that was crushed by the earthquake under her home.

Those of you who have followed SU's Haiti posts know that this little girl, Meloonda, is largely non-functional and in need of rehab. Finally, Meloonda and her father have received their visas! So, we are now in the airport on our way to Haiti to pick up Meloonda and her father and accompany them back to the U.S. for her treatment. The SU team that is travelling is 2 PT doctoral students (Brian & Jennifer), 2 SU OT students (Lindsay & Carol), 2 PT faculty (Andrea & Karen), and the SU President (Tracy). The PTs & OTs will have the opportunity to see where Meloonda lives, may go to school, and the general Haitian context so that they may focus their treatment of her appropriately. What an incredible educational and professional opportunity for the students. And we all are excited and hopeful that this little girl may have a better life after her rehab.