Monday, February 15, 2010

What Is Hands that Heal?

Hands that Heal brings over children or adults that need medical treatment. This medical treatment is something they have been unable to receive in their home country - due in part to lack of medical resources and in part to lack of finances. Patients are brought to the United States on medical visas, receive care and treatment and then sent back to their families and home. All medical care they receive is received at no charge and is all donated by the physicians and hospitals. It does cost approximately $1500-$2000 for each person that is brought over to process paperwork, flights and other related costs. In the past year Hands that Heal (HTH) has brought over 6 patients. Each story unique and amazing. I have been touched by a couple of them, particularly a man named Denel who was shot in a kidnapping attempt in Haiti.

This man who was formerly an accountant in Haiti and was doing relatively well and now finds himself completely blind. In the US blindness is one thing, but in Haiti people with disabilities are ostracized and shut out of society. While Denel has been in the U.S. his country has undergone great turmoil. Denel's home has been completely destroyed in the earthquake and he has lost several family members. Denel has a fiance that survived and is currently living in a tent city. Denel's 6 year old daughter is staying at an orphanage in Haiti. Denel is to return to Haiti in April to his family.. but to what else. His country and own home is in ruins and finding a job to support his family seems insurmountable. What does the future of Haiti hold for him and for countless others. Haiti needs much help!

Another is a child named Flamanda. Flamanda was born with Hydrocephalus. In Haiti it would be completely normal for a child like this to be left to die at birth. And had she not been killed at birth she certainly would have died without receiving medical treatment that Haiti is not equipped to handle. Flamanda was brought to the US, received care and is now home with her mother. They live in a 10x10 mud hut. Can you imagine? I can't. We are so spoiled and blessed here in the U.S. we just can't fathom the poverty that others live in around the world.

You can read in more detail and about other patients that have received treatment on the HTH website.

http://handsthatheal-mk1618b.blogspot.com/

Other Notes:

**Hands that Heal is currently focused on the country of Haiti.

**Hands that Heal is beginning a partnership with an orphanage called God's Littlest Angels in Haiti and looking to help many more patients in the coming year(s) With the earthquake the numbers that need medical treatment has increased greatly

**Hands that Heal is in GREAT need of funds to continue their mission to reach others.

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