By Sibille Beuhlmann | Rehabilitation Centre Manager
Meet Joseph*, a 10-year old boy, who suddenly, while playing with his friends, fell and tragically injured himself in a way where he could not walk anymore.
His father, who is taking care of him and four other siblings by himself took him to see a clinic run by foreigners who were visiting, where he was promised he would get help for his youngest child. The therapists on the visiting team realised quickly that Joseph needed to be seen more than just once, and needed more help to regain strength to maybe walk again. They contacted our rehabilitation centre. Together with his father, Joseph got onto a taptap (small public bus) and travelled almost 4 hours to get to the next bigger city where they took another bus for 4 hours all the way to Cap-Haitien. Because there are only 3 in-patient rehabilitation facilities in all of Haiti, people often have to travel very far to get to an institution that offers the services they need.
Joseph came with a wheelchair he had already received and we were able to fit him with special orthosis to stabilise his weak ankles. We also gave him a walker especially adapted for his size.
During daily therapy, he learned how to regain more control of his trunk and posture and began learning selective movements for walking. He was also taught how to use his wheelchair on his own, so not to have to be pushed around by his father all the time.
Our goal, as with every patient, is to make him as independent as possible, so he doesn’t have to rely on too much help from others.
He has already made huge progress and we are excited to see, to what level we can take him!
Joseph’s is a success story like many others from the Rehabilitation Centre. But the hospital is currently facing financial challenges which are threatening all services such as rehab. Any additional help at this time would help secure this project’s future and see us through these challenging times. Thank you for your support.
*Name changed to protect identity
By Tim Holmes | Fundraising Coordinator
By Sibille Buehlmann | Head of Rehabilitation Unit
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