Volunteers Complete Suriname Mission

The health education and humanitarian mission to Suriname was cut a little short when the Continuing Promise 2010 was quickly deployed to Haiti early this month to be prepared to help in the wake of Hurricane Tomas. Still, Project HOPE volunteers and their military counterparts provided needed medical services in the country.

In Suriname:

1,765 patients were cared for

108 surgeries were performed

676 educational encounters took place

Project HOPE volunteers are home now, but we will continue to tell their stories and even post a few videos over the coming weeks, so check back for more.

Photo by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Diabetes in Suriname

Project HOPE volunteer, Dr. Ruth Hart, an emergency medicine physician from Manlius, New York, has seen a lot in her 30 year career. Still was startled when she first examined Rodney Berika who visited the medical site set up by the Continuing Promise 2010 mission in Paramaribo, Suriname.

“He came in wearing Crocs®. When he sat down and slipped off his shoes, I saw the dirty bloody bandage wrapped around his foot. It was clear that part of his foot was missing and he had lost most of the feeling,” says Dr. Hart.

When taking his medical history, Dr. Hart found out that Mr. Berika is a 29-year-old man, with a 10-year history of diabetes. He works on the docks in Suriname, carrying boxes and luggage. Berika is married with two sons and works very hard to support his family. He has never been able to afford the medications and medical needed to take care of his diabetes.

Dr. Hart consulted with a military doctor participating in Continuing Promise 2010 mission and the two diagnosed Berika’s foot with an advanced diabetic pressure ulcer. They also examined his left foot and found signs of Gangrene on the fourth toe.

The team treated the patient’s right foot and then turned their attention to educating the Berika and his family about the seriousness of diabetes and necessity of daily attention and care to his disease.

In addition, the medical team called the local university hospital, and arranged for a representative of the hospital to provide continuing counseling and initial treatment for Berika.

Still long-term care, daily testing and availability of insulin may remain challenges for Berika. With Suriname’s wet environment and Berika’s occupation as an outdoor laborer, wound care and healing also remain a concern.

In the meantime, Dr. Hart provided a translator with money and instructions to purchase a real pair of shoes and some socks for Mr. Berika to wear to insure his foot stays better protected and clean.

During the evening, others onboard the USS Iwo Jima took up a collection for fresh socks and money to possibly be able to help Berika get some of the medical equipment he needs.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Volunteers Provide Care at Med Sites, Hospitals and Rural Clinics

Project HOPE volunteers provided medical care and education in several different locations as they were split up into groups in order to make the most impact during their time in Suriname. A few stayed onboard the USS Iwo Jima, many provided care at the main medical site in Paramaribo, and others were flown into rural parts of Suriname to help those that often have no access to a doctor.

HOPE’s Dr. Colin Muir, a physician from Cocoa Beach, Florida, along with two other HOPE volunteers and military medical professionals participated in a health education mission visiting several hospitals. The group offered a variety of presentations to local health care professionals on topics as varied as sexual transmitted diseases, to dealing with stress, to prenatal care and resuscitation.

"We learned that Suriname has a high level of medical care,” Dr. Muir says. “The people are well educated, and have a high level of knowledge even when dealing with challenges such as delayed test results. Still they handle the challenges pretty well."

Volunteer Corinne Bragg-Muir, a nurse from Cocoa Beach, Florida, also visited a local hospital to participate in a teaching and information exchange session with one of the Navy nurses. "We shared information on STD's, and one of the things we let them know about is the availability of a vaccine for HPV, one of the main sources for cervical cancer in young women," she says.

The day went very smoothly for the main medical site with a steady stream of people, seeking care and information about their health.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Volunteers in Suriname

The first day of work in Suriname was marked with celebration as the USS Iwo Jima Commodore Thomas Negus participated in opening ceremonies alongside Suriname’s dignitaries at a chosen medical site in Paramaribo.

Commodore Negus talked a bit about the eight-nation humanitarian mission and the importance of the non-governmental organization participation. “The great thing about Continuing Promise is that number one, it is a equal partnership mission,” says Commodore Negus. “We go into these counties on their invitation, use the elements and capability of our government, our international partners and our strong civilian non-governmental organization participation like Project HOPE. We have a strong partnership with Project HOPE, they have been leaders in every (Continuing Promise) mission we have done. We might be approaching a hundred different volunteers on this mission alone."

After the opening ceremonies, the medical site went into full gear.

A girl who was so excited to have a tooth removed that she had little to eat all day, felt a bit light headed after her tooth removal. HOPE volunteers Kerry Decker, a nurse from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Dr. Ruth Hart, a physician from Manlius, New York, came to her aid.

“We gave her some fluids, took her blood pressure, and provided some liquid Ibuprofen for the pain. She feels a lot better right now,” said Dr. Hart.

Other Project HOPE volunteers are doing overnights in Suriname including Dr. Mona Khanna, a physician from Chicago, Illinois, who is doing a four day stay at a medical site.

As the first day came to a close, volunteers are enthusiastic for their continuing work in Suriname.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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More from Guyana

As the time was nearing to leave Guyana and set course for Suriname, Project HOPE volunteers alongside the crew and medical staff onboard the USS Iwo Jima continued to treat and provide health education for as many Guyanese as possible.

Some of the medical personal continued work at the onshore medical clinic site while a few others, including HOPE volunteer Dr. Colin Muir, an OB/GYN from Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Brenda Jones, a women’s health nurse practitioner from Valparaiso, Indiana, made a last visit to New Amsterdam Hospital to offer insight and learn about the maternal health practices.

While on site, the volunteers were privileged to witness the birth of a baby. "We were able to be part of a delivery by the midwife," says Dr. Muir. "The woman in labor was a young single mother, a very gracious lady. She wanted to pray before she went into labor so we held hands, she said a prayer and went on with the labor."

In the labor room, Dr. Muir joked with the young women before she had given birth to the possibly of name the boy Colin, but the women had the name Jeramyia picked out.

Onboard the ship, the Prime Minister of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, received a tour of the USS Iwo Jima and also went ashore to one of the engineering sites where the Continuing Promise 2010 team helped rebuild a school. The team installed a working pump system, electricity throughout the school, rebuilt a fence and fixed a broken basketball hoop. The effort and the effects on the community will have a big impact for the children of Guyana for a long-time to come so it was most appropriate that the site was chosen as the location for the closing ceremonies.

As the Air Force band played their last note and the helicopters packed up, many of the volunteers looked back on Guyana with some good memories and the knowledge of really helping out some small communities.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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5,515 Patients Treated in Guyana

As the humanitarian assistance and health education mission in Guyana finished up last week, Project HOPE volunteers along with the USS Iwo Jima crew were treated with a visit from the President of Guyana, Bharat Jagdeo.

Volunteer, Jeanine Trethewey, a registered nurse from State College, Pennsylvania saw President Jagdeo as he walked though the post operating room and met with fellow Guyanese people that had received medical coverage on the USS Iwo Jima.

"It was an awesome day, we had 10 patients that had surgery today, and 10 people that went home," Jeanine says. "It was very exciting as we had the President of Guyana come though the doors and the smiles on the faces of the Guyanese people was just unbelievable. They were so excited to see him. People had their photos taken with him, he was a very nice gentleman, and he thanked us, and it was very cool."

In Guyana, HOPE volunteers along with their military and other NGO counterparts:

Treated 5,515 patients
Performed 114 surgeries
Participated in 4,108 health education contacts

Check back for more on the Suriname mission soon.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

Help Support Project HOPE's Humanitarian, Health Education and Volunteer Programs Around the Globe.

Dr. Ruth Hart

As Project HOPE volunteers begin work in Suriname, Dr. Ruth Hart reflects on her time in Guyana.

Dr. Ruth Hart is an attending emergency medicine physician and also a medical coordinator for the New York State Health Department Office of Professional Medical Conduct. While Dr. Hart has been working in the medical field for over 30 years, she still appreciates what it is like to be a brand new doctor.

"I still remember the day I walked into the emergency room and I was no longer a student," she says. "I walked into the examining room and the first patient I saw had been assaulted. He was very beaten up. I remember running back out of the room to the doctor I was partnering with and telling that physician this patient needs a doctor, now. My partner, who was more experienced then me, looked at me, and put his hands on my shoulder and turned me around, and said, 'You are the doctor.'"

"That was a big moment," Dr. Hart continues. "I was no longer being supervised, and I realized that I was the one where the buck would stop."

Dr. Hart has now expanded her work beyond the emergency room walls on her first volunteer mission with Project HOPE.

"I didn't know what to expect at first," she says. But after being involved and watching the setups of the sites, she was impressed with the organization of the medical clinics. "I think the best part was was seeing the patients in Guyana," she adds. "The people were very lovely and very excited to be seen."

Dr. Hart says she made a point to try to make an impact with every person sitting in front of her, whoever the patient may be.

"I learned a lot by asking them about their jobs, like their work in the sugar cane fields and other various farming jobs," she says. "I was impressed that education was very important in the country, it was a very positive experience."

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Reflecting on Work in Guyana

As Project HOPE volunteers begin work in Suriname today, Dr. Steven Saris reflects on his time in Guyana.

Dr. Steven Saris has worked as an internist and primary care medicine physician for 25 years. He recently closed his private practice in order to have more time to work with people in need around the world.

"I have been interested in working with Project HOPE since I was a child," he says. " I remember seeing advertisements on TV about the SS HOPE traveling around the world to care for those in need and seeing the doctors taking care of patients port side," says Dr. Saris. "I always thought that was fascinating and when I got my medical degree that I always hoped that I could do this."

In Guyana, Dr. Saris experienced the inspiration of working alongside doctors from many different areas while caring for patients at the onshore clinics.

"Guyana is a beautiful country, the people were wonderful, they were very thankful of what we had to offer," says Dr. Saris. "The people I worked with, the volunteers were brilliant."

Dr. Saris was also impressed with the people of Guyana. "They were very interested in their health and they wanted to know the proper medical care to relieve their ailments."

He also worked with some of the local medical professionals. "There was a doctor from the town that we were in that came to the clinic everyday to volunteer his time," Dr. Saris said. "He was a great resource for when I had questions about how things are done in Guyana."

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Active Day at Medical Clininc

Project HOPE volunteers had an active day working with their military counterparts and other NGOs at a medical site set up onshore in Guyana.



The Air Force band played for the crowds as the kids from a school next door danced in their Sunday’s best. The mood was happy as kids played on a newly finished playground. People were coming in and out of the busy medical site and the rain didn't keep away too many people.

Kirsten Anderson, of the Peace Corps, currently lives around New Amsterdam, Guyana. She found out about the medical clinic though a friend's brother who is serving on the Continuing Promise 2010 mission. Anderson came to the clinic to help out, teaching the people waiting in line to see a doctor about the important use of fluoride and brushing.

"There has been a lot of excitement in my community about the medical clinic,” Anderson says. “When I got home yesterday, everyone was talking about being down here and their experiences in getting to visit with the doctors.”

Yedmattie Edwards is a young mother who brought her two children to the clinic today.
"I was able to get some medication for my children,” she says. She was also grateful for the playground built for the kids in the community by the U.S. military. “We are especially fortunate you made time to help the Guyanese people."

At nearby sites, the Army Vets were checking out family animals and dentists where helping children and adults with damaged teeth.

Despite the busyness of the day, everyone that came into the compound was able to be seen.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Volunteers settle into their home away from home

The fourth rotation of Project HOPE volunteers met up with the United States Navy helicopters in New Amsterdam, Guyana yesterday. The team was then introduced to and received a tour of their home for the next couple weeks, the USS Iwo Jima. Once aboard the ship the volunteers were given a quick safety briefing, rules, and a brief history and eidetic of the Navy.

They then met with the various units they will be working with and received their schedules. Realizing the next few days would be busy the volunteers made use of their bit of free time by getting acquainted with the ship and settling in.

Photos and story by Kris Radder, HOPE's Volunteer Public Affairs Officer

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Volunteers Prepare for Patients in Colombia

The Colombian coast was a line of green on the horizon, sandwiched between two plates of steel-gray clouds and water. A smattering of islands punctuated the water to our port side. As I gazed toward the lights of Covenas onshore, a huge S of lightning snaked across the morning sky. Drops of rain began to speckle the deck.

These weather conditions waylaid the morning’s helicopter launch, but not for long. The choppers bore the Continuing Promise advance team to scout the conditions for the new Med Site 1 in Covenas. Project HOPE team member Dr. Michael Polifka was part of this team.

Michael reported that the daily procedure would be much the same as it had been for Haiti. There will be buses to take us from the helicopter- and boat landing zones (HLZ and BLZ, respectively) to the site each morning. The site itself is a walled school compound like the Lycée in Porte de Paix.

The Continuing Promise mission will be far more publicized to the local population than it was in Haiti. The school walls are already adorned with a banner reading “Promesa Continua 2010.”

Michael and others on the advance team spent the day organizing the site, allocating classrooms for the pharmacy, optometry clinic, etc. They made such progress that surgeons were able to begin screening patients to board the Iwo Jima. Michael even examined one patient himself, a 19-year-old man who underwent a chest x-ray and was diagnosed with a hernia.

At the nightly confirmation brief, military officials warned us not to be complacent based on what we’d seen in Haiti. Colombia will offer a widely different set of conditions.

“There are mosquitoes, bats, rabid dogs, and poisonous snakes,” said Captain Tanner. “Can’t forget about the snakes.”

After the team meeting, Michael and Dr. Manish Oza discussed tomorrow, when more HOPE volunteers will go to Med Site 1.

“It will be what it will be,” said Michael.

Manish nodded resolutely. “We’ll find out tomorrow.”


Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Volunteers Step Into Mess Crew's Shoes

Today Project HOPE team members, as well as other civilian volunteers and officers of the Iwo Jima, had the opportunity to trade places with some of the ship’s kitchen staff. They came away with a new appreciation for how much effort goes into everyday food preparation.

The event began with a sign-up sheet posted on the Wardroom door proclaiming an “FSA CS Night Off.” NGO (non-governmental organization) volunteers, officers, and others could sign up to undertake various kitchen duties such as serving and washing dishes.

The turnout was considerable. Team members Matya Cooksey and Susan Eilermann washed dishes for several hours after lunch to prepare for dinner, when more people were scheduled to take part.

“I did the scrubbing and I learned how to load the dishwasher-- which is called ‘the Dragon’ --and Matya dried the dishes and arranged the silverware in the appropriate spots... And we rocked,” Susan said.

The dinner itself was definitely one of the best meals we’ve had on the Iwo Jima so far. Dr. Diane Seemann from Germany cooked thick-crusted pizza with robust cheddar cheese. There was also succulent pasta in alfredo sauce with chicken. Finally there was ice cream for dessert, complete with candy toppings.

“It’s like an honor to be able to serve our men and women (in uniform),” said Janinatt Viteri of the NGO Give a Kid a Backpack.

HOPE team member Dr. Manish Oza agreed. “It’s good for everyone. It gives you a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into making the food and the cleanup. You’re not really aware of all that until you do it yourself.”

In the end, the day proved to be an excellent chance to better identify with our partners in the Navy. With this mutual appreciation, we’ll continue to make this a better Continuing Promise for everyone.


Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Volunteers Witness Moving Ceremony

The first formal military ceremony I’ve ever seen is also likely to be one of the most moving that I ever will see.

Today’s change of command officially concluded Captain Jeffrey “Amtrack” Amick’s leadership of the USS Iwo Jima, and the inauguration of Captain Tom Chassee. Traditionally, the ceremony is a very formal event with the potential to be very elaborate. However, our limited resources aboard the ship demanded something more spartan. In fact, the brief gathering on the flight deck made the ritual’s core meaning even more powerful.

The ceremony opened with a lively rendition of “Anchors Away” by the Air Force. Then the Navy and Marine Corps color guard paraded their respective flags, along with Old Glory, in a perfectly drilled march. Finally, a trio of female sailors delivered a stunning rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Captain Amick mounted the stage, radiating his well-known air of geniality. After thanking his parents and his wife for their support, he launched into his farewell speech, already visibly moved by the occasion.

He began by describing a crew’s devotion to their ship, and the captain’s duty to the crew. He heartily congratulated the Iwo Jima’s crew for their achievements over the past few years.

“Wherever we go, they know (the task at hand is) gonna be done quickly, and it’s gonna be done right the first time,” said Amick.

That martial ability has now been harnessed in Continuing Promise, of which the captain also spoke highly.

“Thousands of lives will be touched and improved by what we are doing here (in Haiti),” he said.

Commodore Negus presented Captain Amick with the pennant which had flown from the mast during the length of his command, framed in a majestic wooden display case.

“I’d stay here for another thirty years if they’d let me... but no, they won’t let me,” Amick said in closing with a smile.

He then turned to Captain Chassee, exchanged salutes imbued with the deep gravity of the moment, and took his seat.

The new ship’s master Chassee kept his speech short, in keeping with the traditions of the event.
“All I can ask is that you offer me the same second-to-none support you showed Captain Amick,” Chassee said.

And so, the Iwo Jima will carry on with a new captain. This ceremony provided Project HOPE team members with a moving glimpse into the world of our partners in the armed services.

In other news, Dr. Howe, President and CEO of Project HOPE, visited the onshore medical sites and the ship. Check out his blog. We’ll also said goodbye to two of our number, Stephen and Sam Casscells, as they will be departing with Dr. Howe for Port-au-Prince and the flight back to the States. We wish them all the best.

Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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HOPE CEO Visits Volunteers in Haiti

While at a medical site in Haiti, we received a special guest: Dr. John Howe, the president and CEO of Project HOPE. We also treated the highest number of patients so far in one day.

Dr. Howe arrived in Porte de Paix as part of a tour of Haiti. Check out his personal blog. Arriving in Port-au-Prince, he toured the well-known Hôpital Albert Schweitzer before flying to Cap Haitien and then to Porte de Paix.

HOPE team member Dr. Manish Oza served as the tour guide throughout the Lycée Tertulien Gibauld, giving Dr. Howe a first-hand look at our medical, deworming and education stations.

Dr. Howe greeted all the team members at the site, warmly thanking them for bringing their expertise to Haiti. At the medical station, Dr. Howe lauded team nurse practitioner Sandy McCormack for her service.

“You’ve really gone above and beyond the call of duty,” he said.

“Well, it’s really my family who are going above and beyond (for letting me part with them for so long),” Sandy demurred.

Dr. Howe also met with Mayor Gaston Estima, who heartily thanked him for HOPE’s actions in Haiti, and in Porte de Paix in particular.

Soon after, Dr. Howe took a helicopter from the landing zone to the USS Iwo Jima, where he met with the ship’s top brass, including Commodore Negus and Captain Chassee.

Meanwhile, those at Med Site 1 were busy breaking a record.

We helped 633 (patients) yesterday,” Chief Chubb had announced at the morning muster. “My goal is 650 (today).”

Some personnel upped the ante, shouting that we could serve 700.

So imagine our surprise when we shattered both goals. At the end of the day, we saw 802 patients. Of those, we had dewormed 610 and filled 1424 prescriptions.

Not a bad day.

Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Volunteers continue to work in port and on shore in Haiti

Today I had the fortune of witnessing fourteen Haitian patients make the transition from shore to the comforts of the Iwo Jima.

I met Vanessa Bernard and Lt. Washington of the Navy on her way back to the UN compound leading fourteen patients from Med Site 1. The number of people meant we’d have to divide up into two helicopters to deliver them to the ship. The lieutenant didn’t speak Creole or French, so I volunteered to accompany her as the translator for the second group.

Vanessa departed on the first helicopter with ten of the patients. About an hour later the helicopter came into sight. We shielded our ears and eyes as it landed in a vortex of wind. We were issued earplugs and goggles and hurried up the aircraft’s ramp to find our seats.

We were in the air before I’d even had time to show the Haitians how to buckle the seat belts. As we flew over the sea I’d expected them to be amazed, but instead they looked nonplussed, as if the ride were a trying experience they’d rather just get done. After a short five minutes of flight and one long, banking turn, we touched down on the flight deck.

After dinner, I went back to the medical ward to check in with the patients I’d seen yesterday. Lubens is doing well, with a blood-soaked but tidy bandage on his temple. Methinks the resulting scar will help him impress the ladies when he gets back.

After playing two rounds of dominoes with six of the guys, I showed my laptop to Bryssainthe Berline, 19, and her 14-year-old sister, who declined to give her name. In a conversation at the landing zone this morning Bryssainthe had ask to hear some of my music, and so the pair flipped through my music library. They especially liked the more upbeat tunes from Gaelic Storm, Little Joy, and Metric.

Project HOPE team doctors Manish Oza and Michael Polifka related how their work continued at Med Site 2 with a high volume of patients. Fortunately, all of the cases were basic, easily ailments such as infections and body pains.

“God was smiling on us,” Manish said beatifically as he showed me a picture on his phone. “He sent us a rainbow after we were done.”

And it hadn’t even rained.

Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Haitian Patients Happy to be Aboard the Iwo Jima

“Man overboard, man overboard. All hands to your stations. Man overboard off the starboard side.”

And so, at exactly 5:59 this morning, the announcement over the ship’s PA system sent all of us in the men’s sleeping area scrambling to put on shoes and clothing. As we had drilled, we raced upstairs to our muster point, the Flag Mess, as others all over the ship hurried to theirs. Officers and civilian team leaders would call roll to find out who was missing.

Despite this initial disruption, the surgeries for the Haitian patients who had been admitted yesterday began on schedule. Because the Iwo Jima will be leaving Haiti soon, and thus can’t provide follow-up care, most of the operations are simple, such as removing hernias and cataracts.

And no Project HOPE volunteers were closer to the action than our three Creole translators, Jenny Jean-Baptiste, Vanessa Bernard, and Dinah Salnave.

I watched as Jenny gave directions to a man with a huge bandage over one eye as Navy doctors ran post-op tests. In the next bed, a woman who’d had a breast mast removed dozed.

Next door in the ward, parents or children of patients sat quietly as those who’d already undergone surgery slept in bunk beds. A half-dozen sat in front of a television, raptly watching a bedraggled Kate Winslet paddle through the flooded halls of the Titanic. Nurses served hamburgers with fries, green beans, and lemonade.

Later in the day, more patients boarded the ship to await surgery tomorrow. Lubens Alexis, 20, was overjoyed to be on the ship to have a growth on his temple removed.

“It’s a good pleasure to be here, it’s like a party,” he said, with Jenny translating. “It’s just like living in New York or Miami. I’m glad to stay here.”

Steve Jean, 17, said he wasn’t nervous about the operation for his thigh hernia tomorrow. He remarked that he was glad that even after his surgery is done, the Iwo Jima and Project HOPE will continue to provide top-quality care to others like him.

HOPE team member Vanessa Benard, who is of Haitian origin, agreed.

“It is so amazing. I’m really happy the Iwo Jima put this all together to help my Haitian people. The normal surgeries for broken bones or dental work cost major money. Many patients cry, because they just can’t believe it.”

At tonight’s evening meeting Commodore Negus paid a visit to thank us for our work. He also detailed how a strategy of “Go Big Early” will strengthen the bond between NGOs such as Project HOPE and military humanitarian missions in the future.

“This mission depends on our partnership across the board. I’ve told everyone across the Navy chain of command how powerful this (alliance) is, and I will continue to do so,” he said.

Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Volunteers Find Their Pace in Haiti

We entered the École Pierre Ridgway to find the medical operations already in full swing.

“Today is awesome. I really like this,” said Project HOPE team member Dr. Michael Polifka. “When it’s just about on the point of chaos, I really like it.”

Michael’s observation was accurate. Doctors around the courtyard conversed with patients through interpreters as more patients waited beneath an awning. Other personnel raced between rooms, ferrying medical supplies. Still more sailors and airmen crowded the sidelines, maintaining communication with the Iwo Jima.

As the day progressed, doctors both military and civilian found a pace to their work, and were able to work even more efficiently than they had yesterday.

HOPE doctor Manish Oza examined a patient with an alarmingly enlarged jaw. He deduced the problem was not dental, but probably a tissue infection which could be reversed with antibiotics.

Manish went on to detail the cases he’d already seen today. Unlike the jaw case, some had only required simple cures. Examples were irrigation for excessive earwax, Motrin for back pain, and Benadryl for allergies.

“You really get both faces of the spectrum,” Manish said, referring to the frequency of mild to severe cases at Med Site 2.

HOPE pediatrician Dr. Melissa Moore saw numerous adults and children with scabies. She said as a doctor she could prescribe promethrin creme for an immediate fix. However, the mites that cause scabies are best dispelled with proper hygiene methods, such as regular washing.

Team members worked constantly, grabbing a swallow of water or a bite of meal-ready-to-eat (MRE) in between patients. Breaks were often measured in seconds.

At the end of the day, Major Stroble announced we had assisted 488 patients and filled 642 prescriptions. We were exhausted, but jubilant to have helped so many.

Elsewhere, Stephen and Sam “The Cousins” Cascells had the opportunity to visit the Northwest Haitian Christian Mission in St. Louis du Nord. They spent the day playing with the deaf and mute children who reside there. The kids in turn taught them a fair amount of sign language.

“It was a great day. We kept playing soccer with the kids and translating (from French.) It was definitely the highlight of the trip so far.”

Story and photos by HOPE volunteer and PAO, Eric Campbell

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Volunteers Begin Continuing Promise 2010

While Project HOPE volunteers in Indonesia continue their work aboard the USNS Mercy as part of the Pacific Partnership 2010, another set of HOPE volunteers are beginning a four-month mission of health care, education and humanitarian assistance on the other side of the world. Fourteen HOPE volunteers boarded the USS Iwo Jima in Miami, part of Continuing Promise 2010, and are heading to Haiti, the first leg of the eight county tour. As the ship is under sail, volunteers are busy learning Navy protocol, ship safety procedure, and what to expect when the ship drops anchor in Haiti. Eric Campbell, Project HOPE's volunteer Public Affairs Officer onboard offers this account:

Standing on the prow of the Iwo Jima in the open sea gives one the feeling of being a fly on the tip of a paper fan manipulated by an old lady in a sweltering Southern church. The flat deck of the ship moves up and down lazily with the trough and crest of each wave.

Below decks the effect is even more surreal, because of the fact that humans are used to perceiving movement visually. But now we have only our inner ears and the sense of fluctuating gravity to tell us of the ship’s progress through the waves.

A serene sunrise turned to drizzle, with a brief squall in the early afternoon. By the time the rain had cleared, we were well within sight of Cuba’s rugged coast.

All HOPE team members also had to complete helicopter safety training today. The principles are pretty simple: life vest, helmet, ear protection, and goggles on, secure anything in your pockets, sit down, strap in, and don’t do anything stupid. Watch your head on the way out of the aircraft.

After dinner we had a briefing on the states of the specific sites in which we’ll be giving aid. The two sites on the northern peninsula where we’ll be stationed were spared much of the earthquake damage, but were inundated by an unknown number of refugees fleeing the wreckage. Overcrowding and disease present major problems. Tomorrow we’ll have a large rehearsal-style airlift to prepare for the next day, which is when team members will finally go ashore in Saint Louis de Nord, Haiti.

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