On May 2nd, 2010, Dr. Stephen Carryl, OMAT President, returned to Haiti with the Ortho Remedy team to present the prosthetic limbs to the original five earthquake victims who were casted in April. As promised, three weeks after completion of the prostheses, the victims returned to Hopital Adventiste in Diquini to try on their limbs and walked out of the hospital to a life of independence. Cory Abbott, Ortho Remedy technician, made adjustments so that each patient could be balanced and comfortable with their new limbs. Maureen Valenti, co-owner of Ortho Remedy and a physical therapist began teaching the new limb recipients how to use their limbs, weight-bearing techniques, and how to walk without aid.
The entire building was filled with joy and excitement because of this promise fulfilled. Many left their tasks to observe the miracle of a new lease on life for these victims who are now victors.
“It was amazing to watch how these young people quickly adjusted to the instructions given and in one session were walking without walkers or crutches. Their determination matched our willingness to help and there was no stopping them. There was not a dry eye in sight when we saw them walk,” Dr. Carryl reports.
“This makes us eager to help the other victims get new limbs,” Mrs. Valenti remarked with tear-filled eyes.
This is only the beginning for the Overseas Medical Assistance Team (OMAT) and Ortho Remedy. The OMAT will continue to work with Hopital Adventist to set up a lab which will make additional prosthetic devices. Ortho Remedy is committed to working with the OMAT to teach the local staff and to provide the equipment and supplies needed to manufacture these devices.
All five of the recipients were ecstatic about their new prosthesis. Bethony remarked how incredible his new leg was. “It is like having my leg again. No one will know when I pull my pants down,” he said with a huge smile. Bethony walked out of the hospital with his new leg and his pants leg pulled down to his sneakers.
Professor Laguerre walked to his car and drove off with newfound hope for his future.
