Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis

HMMoM is proud to announce Dr. Romel Dorsaint will be the new Medical Director for the Clinique Saint Esprit

2011-09-06T09:28:00.003-05:00

After a long and exhaustive search, Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis has found its new Medical Director, Dr. Romel Dorsaint. Dr. Dorsaint will replace Dr. Brooke Trenton, HMMoM's first medical director as she returns to the states to pursue her Masters in Public Health and further her work in international health. The mission of Haiti Medical Missions has always been to support the clinic and staff it locally. The introduction of Dr. Dorsaint to the clinic team is a giant step forward in achieving that goal. Supporting Dr. Dorsaint is possible through a joint partnership with Luke's Mission, an organization that among other activities, provides financial support to Haitians locally in pursuing education for health care fields. Dr. Dorsaint was Luke's Mission's first graduate of the their scholarship program.

Read More at our new website here

Tour d'Esprit Takes Memphis Runner and Occupational Therapist Far Beyond a One-Mile Loop

2011-08-31T21:16:00.002-05:00

As a gifted runner, Jeanie Zelinski has reaped many of the rewards enjoyed by successful athletes: a college scholarship, life-long friends, the exhilaration of competition and the joy of winning. However, that running would eventually take the 27-year-old Memphian to one of the poorest countries in the world was an unexpected twist that would lead her to a new passion.

“I really knew nothing about Haiti. I was uncomfortable with my life and I just felt like there was more I needed to be doing. I had so much energy and it just seemed to be spinning,” she said. Zelinski, an occupational therapist, became interested in going to Haiti during the 2010 24-Hour Tour d’Esprit race, which benefits Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis (HMMoM).

HMMoM staffs and stocks a medical, dental and rehabilitation clinic in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti. The Holy Spirit clinic treats approximately 200 Haitians each day free of charge. It is one of the few-surviving medical facilities in the Port-au-Prince region after the devastating 2010 earthquake. In addition, as the cholera epidemic persists, the Holy Spirit clinic has become increasingly busy. The 24-Hour Tour d’Esprit is the major funding source for HMMoM.

Zelinski was a member of the winning Breakaway team, which completed an amazing 240 laps around the one-mile course in 24 hours. While at the race, she heard that HMMoM had opened a rehabilitation hospital after the earthquake. She later contacted Susie Kraus, also an occupational therapist and wife of one of the founders of HMMoM, Dr. Gordon Kraus. “Susie told me about the rehab clinic they had opened in Haiti and I thought, I’m a therapist, I can go.”

Zelinski mulled the idea over for several weeks, discussed it with her family and then reality hit. “I had school loans, I had to pay off my truck,” she said. Although HMMoM would pay for her food, lodging, and provide her with a small stipend, the cost of a year without a salary became an obstacle. “I had the time and desire to give but sadly, money was a barrier,” she said. Before she knew it, Memphis runners helped remove that barrier.

Races were organized to benefit her trip and in three months, the running community had raised enough money to help pay her expenses while she was in Haiti. "The people of Memphis just didn’t quit,” she said.

In January of 2011 Zelinski began her new life in Haiti. “It was so hard and uncomfortable at first. I wasn’t able to communicate because of the language, I was learning about Haitian customs and I was so afraid of disrespecting someone,” she said. Zelinski likens herself to an oyster being rubbed by sand. “I’ll be a good pearl some day.”

Although Zelinski’s experiences in Haiti are always evolving, she is getting her bearings and feels that she is making an impact. Along with a physical therapist from Texas and two Chilean therapists, a rehabilitation clinic with a focus on wellness has taken shape. The therapists have established a successful, busy outpatient clinic that treats adults and children during individual sessions, exercise and education classes.

“Disabilities are so traumatic in Haiti. If a child can’t sit up then two lives are completely affected because the mother must take total care of that child,” she said. For one young child with cerebral palsy, the rehabilitation team designed a chair out of a bucket so his mother could allow him to sit independently instead of having to hold him upright.

In addition to patient care, working to unravel the vast landscape of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is another project the rehabilitation team has been working towards. Since the earthquake, HMMoM’s medical complex has become one of the most important facilities in the country. The team has partnered with many NGOs and the Ministry of Health to share supplies and other resources so all donations reach those who are most in need.

Eventually, she would like to see HMMoM hire Haitian therapists, which would ensure the longevity of the clinic. Currently, the organization employs 17 Haitians at the medical facility, including two rehab technicians who Zelinski is training.

Zelinski says she is learning and continues to adjust. She often struggles with her relationships with the Haitians. “They put me on a pedestal and I’m just Jeanie,” she said. She’s also learned to temper her own expectations of herself. “When people have nothing, sometimes they want more than I can give. I can only give rehab. Sometimes I have to put up a wall.”

In spite of this, Zelinski describes her journey as incredible. “I’ve gotten way more out of my experience than I have given. The people are poor but they are so rich in spirit, culture and passion. They put me to shame,” she said. “I love my life. I wouldn’t change what I’m doing.”

Running continues to be a part of Zelinski’s routine in Haiti. “I took Jeanie to Haiti, too, and she has to run. It has always been a part of my life and it has to be part of my life in Haiti,” she said. While running may be her gift, running has also given Haiti the gift of Jeanie Zelinski.

Sarah Rose

Thoughts and Prayers

2011-01-12T06:03:00.005-06:00

Today we mark one year since the catastrophic earthquake. Wehonor of the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Haitians lost, their families, and all those who lost love ones on this day. Many of us were struck humble by this overwhelming tragedy and also humanity's capacity to come together in times of crisis. In humility we continue to lend our support and prayers to theHaitian people, whose strength and courage it would seem isalways put to test, especially in this last year.

From the first moments of the disaster, the HMMoM community came together to aid in the recovery through our clinic and laterthrough our rehab center. Over the last year, thousands ofpatients affected by the earthquake have come through our doorsin hope of finding a small measure of medical or rehabilitativesupport, and thanks to the generosity of this community, we were able to meet their needs. There is still more work to be done, and as many continue to rebuild their homes and theirlives, our pact with the Haitian people remains resolute for the years and likely decades it willtake to heal this wounded country. While today commemorates a somber day in Haiti's history, in the spirit of this concord, Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis is proud to partner with Union de Jeunes Victimes de Seisme de 12 Janvier 2010 (Association of Young Victims of the January 12, 2010 Earthquake) in a holding soccer game as a demonstration of triumph over adversity and the endearing hope of brighter days.

In the states, Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis will host a non-denominational prayer service at 7 P.M. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest

Here in Croix-des Bouquet, HMMoM is hosting an all day event and soccer game for the Association of Young Earthquake Victims, many of whose members, were patients in our rehab center.

Another Successful Tour d'Esprit Thanks to the Running Community

2010-11-01T21:39:00.001-05:00

Haiti is a country that has long endured considerable suffering; however, 2010 had been especially cruel beginning with the calamitous earthquake in January. Since then, the people of Haiti have faced unimaginable tragedy. Medical needs have been greater than ever and the Memphis running community rose to the occasion with an outpouring of support at the 12^th Annual Tour d’Esprit.

Record-breaking team Breakaway.

The 24-hour race, the main funding source for Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis, was thankfully very successful this year. Numerous records were set on the course including the amazing 240 laps completed by the Breakaway Team. Participation records were also set as the number of teams increased from 23 in 2009 to 34; and the number of registrants grew from 784 to 975.

Immediately after the earthquake, Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis was one of the few medical organizations able to care for victims. The clinic doctors and nurses at the Holy Spirit Clinic in Croix des Bouquets continue to treat about 100 patients a day and are again on the frontline working to contain the cholera epidemic. The rehabilitation hospital, opened in March of 2010, is an amazing one-of-a-kind facility where Haitians receive outpatient and inpatient physical and occupational therapy.

Tent city in Haiti.

Memphis runners are a vital part of allowing Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis to continue to provide health care to the Haitian people free of charge. Since the earthquake, medical facilities are very sparse and the need for supplies and personnel at the facility has increased dramatically. Support at the 12^th Annual Tour d’Esprit was desperately needed, especially in light of the recent cholera epidemic.

Runners camped out.

Planning for next year’s event September 29 - October 1 has already begun. Race organizers are looking forward to even more runners competing in this fun-filled 24-hour family event. Mark your calendar for the 13^th Annual Tour d’Esprit. Your participation supports the ongoing mission to give health and hope to the people of Haiti.

Editorial Cupcake: Finding Solid Ground Beyond Suburbia

2010-10-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Editorial Cupcake: Finding Solid Ground Beyond Suburbia: "The following entry was written in part to raise awareness for Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis (HMMoM) and the upcoming fund raiser Octobe..."

Flu Vaccine

2010-09-18T07:25:00.002-05:00

The Flu Vaccine wil be available for $20.00 from 7:00a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday October 2nd at the race site. $8.00 per vaccine will be donated back to Haiti! Thanks To Dr. Barbara Geater for offering this service!

2009 Tour d' Esprit Winners

2010-09-18T07:23:00.000-05:00

OVERALL M. Richard Martin 84 miles
OVERALL F. Gina Sheets 80 miles

F 0-9 Ashlyn Barclay 18 miles
M 0-9 Charlie Nichols 19 miles

F 10-14 Mary Pat Harris 35 miles
M 10-14 Harrison Staub 40 miles

F 15-19 Jennifer Harris 35 miles
M 15-19 Thomas Barnhart 40 miles

F 20-24 Emily Harris 13 miles
M 20-24 Stephen Harris 9 miles

F 25-29 Alissa Schild 32 miles
M 25-29 Daniel Connolly 4 miles

F 30-34 Shannon Burke 35 miles
M 30-34 Duane Dickerson 27 miles

F 35-39 Emily Conley 50 miles
M 34-39 Andrew Strickland 63 miles

F 40-44 Angela Ivory 80 miles
M 40-44 Michael Hudson 52 miles

F 45-49 Cheryl Ann Roe 61 miles
M 45-49 Robert Kyle 62 miles

F 50-54 Susan Chism 52 miles
M 50-54 Mark Higginbotham 80 miles

F 55-59 Jan Show 71 miles
M 55-59 Wayne Simpson 55 miles

F 60-64 Dorrie Hulsey 45 miles
M 60-64 Jack Bickerest 54 miles

F 65 + Hilde Haynes 60 miles
M 65 + Jim Briske 10 miles

OVERALL TEAM Pilgrimage Men 209 miles
FEMALE TEAM Pilgrimage Women 173 miles
COED TEAM Speedy Cats 196 miles
YOUTH TEAM Tennessee Rush Girls 124 miles

2010 t-shirt design

2010-08-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

This design is for our logo for the 2010 race t-shirt, program and communications.

An eyewitness: Haiti, 1-16-10 at 1:07pm

2010-01-30T13:49:00.000-06:00

I was handed a mask as we pulled into the city. “Oh yes, for the dust probably”, I thought in my naïveté. When I asked, the answer was not as easy to swallow. “The bodies… it has been three days”. And so it had been, the smells began to seep in through the windows.

It is Armageddon here. Everything you could imagine in a Hollywood production, but worse. Televisions only attack your sight and hearing. News cannot portray the screams, the death. It is a death that fills your lungs and seeps into your skin.

Before today, I had never seen a dead body. Of course of course, I have been to a few wakes. But the same is always said, “Oh, how they look so peaceful.” My first sighting was as we drove past pickup trucks leaving the city, men throwing families into pickup trucks, motionless. We passed buildings, rubble, wounded. I took some pictures. Some things were too horrific to, I did not want to capture. And then we reached where the hospital once stood. The sidewalks (or at least where sidewalks should be) supported lifeless figures, naked, blank. People walked by without a turn of the head. This was not a spectacle, and in the last three days they had seen much worse. The medians of only four feet in width transformed into campgrounds for families, both wounded and healthy. Parks harbor tens of thousands. There is no water.

And still the American response here is not as glorious as I hear from domestic news in the States. America is deceived. Yes, supplies have arrived, and the support is amazing from the American people, but little has been distributed. It waits at PAP airport, sitting there until the movie stars can arrive in their private jets to take pictures and get their publicity. I doubt they walk out of the parking lot.

Despite this news, my view of the human race is improving dramatically. As an American, this is so foreign to me. I have been here for weeks and I still am floored by the faith of the Haitian people. You hear that? Amidst the cries and gunfire of the night? That is praise. That is thousands of wounded singing to God hymns of worship, drenching the concrete with their own blood.

I have awakened to a shining sun in the rural village of Layaye. It is almost as if the world has decided to stretch, yawn, and awake after three days of slumber. And yet, the rays bring no peace. The increased visibility only shines light on the amount of destruction of the days passed. Some of the phone lines are opened, finally. For some, sighs of relief are audible as they hear that everything is fine with their families. For others, the ineffable mourning has begun.

Father Illric’s sister is alive. His cousin, cousin’s wife, and two small children have left the world. Franz’s house, which he has been saving for his whole life, is destroyed. His wedding will have to wait more years. Many, many lives are lost. Many children, many mothers, many people with souls, blood, flesh.

As the sun rises today, may the world turn its eyes to the western third of this island, rays illuminating mountains and valleys slowly with the rotation of our planet. May the cries be answered and may the existence of this land be acknowledged. May the food, clean water, health care, and shelter these people have needed for their entire lives finally be met by Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Today, with sun showing all, exposing the scars and new gashes in her body, may America and the world not turn their eyes away. Today, for the first time, the world sees her sister Haiti.

John Ryan McGreevy

Readings from Rhodes Memorial Vigil

2010-01-29T13:41:00.000-06:00

http://www.rhodes.edu/17419.asp

"A Cage of Words", Joel Dreyfuss

2010-01-29T13:39:00.000-06:00

I call it “the Phrase” and it comes up almost every time Haiti is mentioned in the news: the Poorest Nation in the Western Hemisphere. These seven words represent a classic example of something absolutely true and absolutely meaningless at the same time.

On a recent trip to Haiti, I asked a young journalist working for an international news organization why the Phrase always appeared in her stories. “Even when I don’t put it in,” she confided, “the editors add it to the story.”

The Phrase is a box, a metaphorical prison. If Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the fact is supposed to place everything in context. Why we have such suicidal politics. Why we have such selfish politicians. Why we suffer so much misery. Why our people brave death on the high seas to wash up on the shores of Florida […] The Phrase became an easy out for reporters confronting the complexities they could barely begin to plumb. What a difference it would have made if American, or French, or British journalists had looked through the camera at their audience and declared, “Yes, this is a poor country, but like Ireland or Portugal, it has also produced great art. […] Yes, many of Haiti’s most downtrodden, like the Jews in America or the Palestinians in the Middle East, have fled and achieved more success in exile than they ever would at home.” Such statements would have linked Haiti to the rest of the world. They would have made it seem less mysterious, less unsolvable, less exotic. But then, that really wasn’t the purpose of most reporting about Haiti over the last few years. Keeping the veil over the island was easier than trying to understand its factions and divisions and mistrust and history. And it gave America an out if the intervention failed. So foreign journalists fell back on the Phrase. It was shorthand. It was neat. And it told the world nothing about Haiti that it didn’t already know.

Jan 21 - Thursday Morning Drive-by Donations

2010-01-20T20:07:00.002-06:00

Earle Farrell from Fox 13 News will be live at Holy Spirit Church, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive in East Memphis to raise funds and collect supplies for Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis. The church parking lot will be open for drive by monetary donations of any of the following supplies:

Over the Counter Medications Pain relievers (Tylenol, aspirin, Advil, etc.)
Multivitamins
New tube socks (protect dressings) Linens: Flat bedsheets
Bath towels, washcloths Light weight blankets
Plastic gloves, Work gloves Latex/nitrile Examination gloves
Chapstick Tooth brushes
Toothpaste Baseball caps (protect dressings)
Flashlights that do not require batteries
Wound Care Supplies of all kinds:
Ace bandages plain saline eyewash
Sterile gauze, Gauze rolls, Gauze sponges Adhesive tape
Adhesive bandages, all sizes Dressings, all sizes
Self-adherent dressings Self-adherent wrap tape

Haiti benefit concert at Young Avenue Deli

2010-01-20T19:52:00.002-06:00

The Young Avenue Deli is holding a special concert to benefit the victims of the Haiti earthquake. "Hope for Haiti" concert

Young Avenue Deli

Saturday, January 23rd

Event starts at 8pm; music begins at 9pm.
Featured musicians include Amy Lavere, Snowglobe, Devil Train, and the Craig Schuster Band.
A $10 donation will be required for entrance to the event and raffle tickets will be available for purchase in increments of $1, $3 and $5 to be eligible to win local prizes.

All of the proceeds will benefit Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis and Food for the Poor, which provides for Haiti. This event is sure to be a win-win evening with the opportunity to hear great music, have fun and raise money for two very worthy and fiscally responsible organizations supporting Haiti.

Earthquake

2010-01-14T20:08:00.002-06:00

Many of you have called asking about what we are doing to help our clinic and Haiti in general. Our group has sent supplies today and planning to send a team to Haiti in about 10 days. If you are interested in making a direct donation to our clinic, you can send it to
Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis
1779 Kirby PKWY #1 PMB319
Memphis, TN 38138

As always, donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3 organization. All donations will be used for current needs such as first aid supplies as well as long term needs for replenshing what will undoubtedly be an overwhelmed and depleted medical clinic.

The clinic is in operation, however still damaged. Due to the overwhelming numbers of people, a triage area has been set up outside on the football field. The clinic is on a compund which uses well water and although it was disabled initially, it has been restored as of this morning. Fortunately, we recently installed solar panels and they are able to continue to generate electricity.

Our clinic relies soley on the financial support from our annual fundraiser, the 24-hour Tour d' Esprit as well as some donations made throughout the year. Clearly, the needs will be greater this year. Thanks for any support you can give as well as prayers for the people of Haiti.

Live Auction Item

2009-09-22T22:20:00.002-05:00

Resort Vacation -Armed Forces Vacation Club

7 night resort vacation stay at one of a large selection of destinations across the worl, availabilities and details are found at www.afvclub.com

Airfare not included

Live Auction Item

2009-09-22T22:18:00.003-05:00

Little Red Fly Fishing, Heber Springs, AR

A two night stay at Driftwood lodge

Fly fishing with a local guide, custom flies

Dinner for 2 at one of Heber springs finest restaurants

Meal for two at bull Dog in Bald Knob

Value: $500.00

Get Ready for the 11th annual 24-Hour Tour d'Esprit - October 2-3 2009

2009-09-10T08:56:00.016-05:00

Here is a printable race registration form. Please make checks payable to Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis. And don't forget you can also register online at www.active.com.

Tour d' Esprit Silent Auction 2009

2009-09-08T08:36:00.006-05:00

This year will not DISAPPOINT! We have been frequenting Haiti this year due to our on-going design, purchase and about-to-be-installed SOLAR PANELS! ( It's very hard to sew up a wound in the dark or take an x-ray without electricity!) We have some of the best metal pieces ever: bicycle riders, musicians, wheelchair people, birds, angels, Noah's Arc, crosses, and trees of life as well as wood carvings, oil paintings, and handmade baskets. Watch this space for updates!

Check out some of this year's silent auction items.

On a lucky day, you can find a gem among the art vendors in Port-au-Prince. This painting happens to be by a listed Haitian artist, Luckner Pierre.

Haitians are the masters of recycling!

This recycled metal drum has been crafted into a sculpture featuring a birdbath filled with 3-dimensional birds. Very cute! 22 inch diameter.

This HUGE 22 inch diameter bowl with handles is forged by hand and the coral reef scene is HAND PAINTED ! Exceptional !

You won't find this at Busters! Rum Galore. Hibiscus, Orange, Coconut, Rhum Raisin, 5-star Haitian Rum! The Best! And free samples of our famous rum cake!

Hang on - White Water Ahead!

Hand Carved Wooden Canoe

2009-09-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Here it is!

The 2009 24-hour Tour d' Esprit T-shirt design.

search for the event with 24 hour tour d' esprit

Advance registration is $20.00 until September 29th.

Registration at the door $25.00.

Live Auction items

2009-09-02T20:14:00.003-05:00

More confirmed live auction items:

2 Cessna Flights over Memphis
This is a 4 seat passenger plane. Cessna 172, Skyhawk. Take a flight over Memphis and enoy the ride!

Visit http://www.cessna.com/about/cessna-channel.html to see video of these flights.

Live Auction, Friday October 2nd 8:00 p.m.

2009-09-02T20:02:00.003-05:00

Confirmed live auction item:

Greer's Ferry Lake Weekend (friday through Monday) vacation.

Stay in a 6 bedroom, 5 bath home with a great room that has a pool table and fuse ball table. The bedrooms include 2 kings, 3 queens, 4 doubles and 4 bunks. The home has lakefront access and is located 5 minutes from Tannenbaum. No summer rental available. This auction item normally rents for $1350.00/weekend.
Join us for this and many more exciting items at our live auction which is Friday, October 2nd at 8:00p.m. in the Batson Center, Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest, Memphis, TN, 38119. Free admission. Spaghetti Dinner served from 5:30-8:00, $5.00 kids, $8.00 for adults.

24-hour Tour d' Esprit Events

2009-08-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

2009 marks the 11th year for this event which benefits Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis. In addition to the footrace, there is also a pasta supper, gourmet breakfast, live and silent auctions which are being held concurrently to raise additional money. The 24-hour Tour d' Esprit is the only fundraiser held to raise money needed to support the Holy Spirit Clinic in Port au Prince, Haiti.

24-hour Tour d' Esprit

2009-08-14T15:38:00.000-05:00

This is a unique footrace that features a certified one mile loop where participants can run or walk as long as they like and compete as individuals or teams.
This race is perfect for anyone as it allows walkers and runners of any speed or distance.

2009-08-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis presents the

11th Annual 24-hour Tour d' Esprit

October 2nd and 3rd, starting and ending at 3:00p.m.

Join us for 24 hours of running, walking, eating and family fun!

Race registration at http://www.active.com/

(search for 24-hour tour d'Esprit)