“You are a Haitian outcast to the rest of society solely because you are an amputee. In the eyes of everyone else, you’re not as valuable and you bring less to the table than the walking. Already in a country that has about an 85% unemployment rate, being an amputee pretty much guarantees you unable to sustain a job to support your family. By word of mouth you hear about this place that is performing modern day miracles. A place that on a small scale does exactly what Jesus did. This is an opportunity for the lame to walk again. A chance to blend back into society and start a new life with new opportunities. This miraculous place happens to be The Mission of Hope Prosthetics Lab.” – Blaine Wright
One of the highlights for me last month in Haiti was getting to visit the Prosthetics of Hope lab and get to witness firsthand how it is tangibly improving the lives of so many amputees in Haiti.
There are an estimated 4000 – 6000 amputees who were left behind in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. Meanwhile, just across the border in neighboring Dominican Republic, a prosthetist named Naoki Yao had been serving at a clinic when he felt lead to come to Haiti in the aftermath and help. The Prosthetics of Hope lab was founded.
Quite a few prosthetics labs popped up all over the country at that time to service the many survivors who suffered the loss of a limb.
Today, there are only 3 clinics still in operation; Prosthetics of Hope being the only one that offers clients a custom fitted prosthesis at no cost to them. The 3 Cords small business that I mentioned in my previous blog is what funds this venture.
In 2012, a man named Nono walked into the clinic with his son who needed to be fitted by Naoki and a bond was formed.
Nono and his son
By 2013, Nono became a full time employee at the lab and started an apprenticeship under Naoki. Today, he is the head prosthetist!
Nono and Patrick
I had the privilege of shadowing one of Mission of Hope’s interns, Peter, who is here for 6 months working with Nono.
Peter smoothing out a prosthetic piece on the sander
He gave me the tour, explained the history of the lab, and described every step of the prosthetic-making process.
Just me geeking out!
That day, a man came in to practice using his new leg. Peter explained that it is one of the most important steps in being fitted with a prosthesis: the physical therapy and practice with it to perfect the gate.
I loved it so much, I came back!
Me and Nono (*Sporting my painting clothes*)
And the second time, he even let me help!! 🙂
On my last day of ministry, as I said goodbye to Peter and Nono, I felt in my heart, this wouldn’t be my last time here. For anyone who knows me, my passion for technology and healthcare has always been what motivated me in my chosen career path, but my heart for service has called me away for the time being. But to see these clients get wheeled in and be able to walk out on their own is a feeling like no other. God is truly blessing this country through Prosthetics of Hope!
