We opened the clinic on Wednesday, 13 October- 9 months after the earthquake made it impossible for us to continue therapy in our former clinic. We decided to keep the name Klinik Kay Kapab after a brief discussion as to mark it as a new beginning. The clinic doctor and nurse saw 5 patients that had received spinal cord injuries in the earthquake. They are all living in community, all in tents. They have received wheelchairs, walkers (if needed), mattresses and medical supplies and medications to aid in their survival. Most are doing pretty well considering their living situation, a testament to the amount of education that they received by numerous individuals that have cared for them over the months they were hospitalized. One of the greatest issues facing survival for these patients is financial- they have been unable to return to previous employment- one is a nurse, one is a teacher for example. Transportation from their homes is extremely difficult- they may have to be carried down stairs or rubbly path, as w/ch accessibility remains an illusive dream throughout most of Port au Prince. They are dependent on their families for their very basic survival needs of food and water. Healing Hands for Haiti Klinik Kay Kapab can now be a source for their therapy and medical needs.
Rain: Lets hope the rainy season stops soon. Last night it rained so hard our living room was basically flooded as the roof continues to leak even after repairs were made. There were other areas of leakage but none as severe. This is certainly a minor inconvenience to those of us living in the guest house. For people living in tents it is much more - Tents fill with mud and water- belongings and the fortunate ones having a mattress become soaked. Everyone is forced to stand and hold their valuables close for protection as best as they can until the storm passes.
As I write this the thunder is becoming closer and louder and I will escape to my room before the rain begins.
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