Everyone is aware of the earthquake and devastation in Haiti. At 5:53 pm January 12, life changed forever for the people in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. It was estimated that 50,000 people were immediately killed. Another 250,000 or more were injured. Most of the buildings were damaged and unsafe (Meadows, Smolowe, Tresniowski, & Dyball, 2010).
In their efforts to help, ordinary people became heroes. Dr. Victor Lajam from the Dominican Republic opened his border clinic to injured Haitians. He went to Port-au-Prince to volunteer his time and experience. This Harvard-educated cardiologist worked long hours without sleep, without anesthesia for amputations, and without proper equipment to help wherever he could (Meadows et al, 2010).
Dr. Frantz Beneche, a general practitioner from Orlando, received word that his mother had died. By the time he was able to arrive in Port-au-Prince, his mother had been pulled from her house alive. He stayed in the city to help treat survivors along with other doctors (Meadows et al, 2010).
Other selfless stories were uninjured people who volunteered at the hospitals and set broken limbs by pulling the bones back in place and splinting with cardboard, sharing the little bits of foods and water they had with others who had none, and helping dig for survivors. One remarkable story was of a 12-year old who lost his parents. He found an elderly widow who became homeless. They joined forces to care for each other and set up a tent for shelter. Others around them gave them food and soap (Meadows et al, 2010).
This article showed that the people of Haiti were able to pull their resources together and share what little they had with those around them. Heroes do not have to be characters in movies or books. They do not have to be rich and famous. A hero is someone who is willing to help in a disaster, will share what little they have, and not put themselves first.
References:
Meadows, B., Smolowe, J., Tresniowski, A, & Dyball, R. (2010, February 1). Heartbreak & courage. People, 73, 48-59.
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I loved how your post was relevant to our theme of heroes this week. For many people heroes is such a broad term and can mean very different things to many people. I think that who you choose as your heroes is a reflection of yourself, your inner spirit, your morals, and values. It is a reflection of who you are and how you think as a person. What has happened in Hattie is nothing short of devastating! It is heartbreaking and tragic. The people that have pulled together recourses in a county so of such short supply have been inspirational. I agree that many heroes have emerged from this tragedy. The doctors and nurses that have volunteered themselves for the greater good of humanity are true heroes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the heroes you choose being a reflection of yourself. I think that I agree with that. Very insightful.