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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Heading out...






I'm heading out tomorrow morning for my long journey down to Haiti. My plane leaves at 8am from Anchorage and I arrive in Prot-Au-Prince on April 2nd at 8am. The 4 hour time change may be a bit hard for me, but I'm sure I'll be so exhausted Friday night that sleeping in tent in 90 deg weather won't bother me too much. I'm all packed and ready to go... I just need to weigh my bags to ensure they aren't over 50#s. OH! And hockey bags are great to fit canes into!! To plan a trip like this in a week has been very stressful, but I cannot wait!! I must admit, its going to be hard to focus today at work, but my patients have been very supportive and understanding. I'm leaving 30 degree weather for 105 degrees!! See you in Haiti!


The World Harvest Missions website for this relief effort is http://www.newlife4kidz.org/project_details.php?p=24

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Welcome

Hello! My name is Sharon Huchko, PT, DPT. I'm a physical therapist from Wadsworth, Ohio who is currently working in Wasilla, Alaska. Mrs. The reason for this blog is to keep everyone up to date on my status in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and the volunteer efforts that I am encountering there.So I bet you're wondering why someone from Alaska is traveling to all the way to Haiti? When the earthquake hit Haiti over 2 months ago, I really felt like I needed to do something to help. I'm not a physician or nurse, so they didn't need me right away. I contacted a local physician in Wasilla who went down to Port-Au-Prince the week of the hurricane. He stated he may be going back down and he would like me to join him. Well, last week I received a phone call that notified me that he will be down in Haiti during my vacation time. I really wanted to go and help those who have received treatment and/or surgery after the earthquake. But I had a week to figure everything out!!I made up my mind on March 23rd that I would go to Haiti and commit to the relief effort. After an annonymous donor offered to pay for my plane ticket, I knew this was ment to be. It would only take me to days to get there... lol. This past week has been a whirlwind because of all of the supplies, shots, and paperwork I need to have in line prior to making this journey. I was fortunate enough to have several items donated, but I still have over $300 in supplies that are needed.I'm getting excited about leaving on Thursday. I really don't know what to expect, but I'm sure looking forward to it. I know that there are many people down there that need assistance in getting out of bed, learning how to ambulate, and rehabiliating the victims of the earthquake. So much to do... so little time... OH! I'm carrying Flat Stanley with me from Rickson in Mrs. Jones' first grade class at Valley View Elementary.