Thank You

I can't tell you how much it means to me that you all gave so generously to my cause. I should say our cause. I've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, and I feel lucky to have so many good-hearted people in my life.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of fundraising, planning and packing. The medical team I am deploying with is composed of medical professionals from across the country. I don't know a whole lot about everyone yet, but I'll keep you updated. So far we've had regular conference calls with updates about the conditions in Haiti as well as planning our trip.

The flight plans have changed the most. Initially we were slated to go from Miami to Port au Prince, which change to New York to Port au Prince, then New York to the Dominican Republic to Port au Prince by car, and most recently it is New York to Miami to Port au Prince. As we have been reminded over and over, it helps to realize the fluid nature of the situation.

As for the situation on the ground, it is into a new phase of the disaster effort. The emergent search and rescue phase is over, and most of those injured in the earthquake have been treated. That being said, there are still patients being seen with wounds that have not been seen since the earthquake weeks ago. At any rate, it sounds like some aid teams are beginning to pull out, which makes the patient load on those still on the ground even more intense. The current plan is to start out at the University of Miami field hospital, helping there as needed, and fanning out from that point to clinics across the area. We will be caring for post-operative patients, as well as those seeking basic or routine medical care in a country without infrastructure.

There is still a large hazard from the enormous amount of rubble on the ground, and unstable buildings. Injuries related to this are common. Due to the loss of buildings as well as a general fear to go indoors, there are still large tent cities of internally displaced people (IDPs). These cities are anywhere from 500 to 10,000 people. From these camps are arising malaria, dysentery and sepsis, especially with the beginning rainy season. We expect to have no shortage of patients to treat.

As for gear, we are told to be almost completely self-sufficient. We have tents, sleeping bags, food, water purifiers, and as much medical supplies that we can take. In addition to wound care items, we will be taking down basic items such as Neosporin and min first-aid kits, in the hopes that people can care for themselves after aid teams such as ours are gone.

Now, it is a waiting game. There are a few loose ends to tie up, and a few pieces of gear to grab. After that, I wait with anticipation for March.