TRTP Vice President guest lecturer at The Ohio State University

Mendenhall Laboratory, The Ohio State University

TUESDAY, March 18 :: Honored to be invited as a guest lecturer at The Ohio State University, TRTP Vice President Sonya Yencer spoke with students at the John Glen School of Public Affairs in a non-profit management class. 

She shared her experience in marketing a 501(c)(3) from the ground up with little to no budget, focussing on how social media plays a huge part in that strategy. Students watched TRTP videos from Tell Collective and Physicians For Peace and surfed through TRTP's online presence as part of the presentation. She talked about the challenges of growing the organization without a paid staff, fundraising and cultivating volunteers. Students asked great questions and sparked some new ideas for The Red Thread's outreach team.

What a great opportunity to share real world experience with the young adults interested in the non-profit world! Thank you Kim Ratcliff and The Ohio State University / John Glen School of Public Affairs for allowing us to be a part of the class for a night.

HAITI :: A home run for partnerships!

The Red Thread team is humbled to see that one of our programs—Camp Jake—was featured on the FRONT cover of Physicians For Peace's 2013 third quarter report! To see little Oxilus' smiling face as he learned how to play baseball warms our hearts, remembering the good times we shared at Camp Jake. It makes us look forward to seeing him again this Wednesday. (pics to come!)

We are most thankful for our partnership with Physicians For Peace and look forward to working with the wonderful contacts we've made there for years to come. Here's an excerpt from the report:

"The life changing camp (a program of The Red Thread Promise) was made possible by the investments of individual donors, Physicians for Peace and a generous grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust."

Read the full story on page 6-7 in Physicians For Peace's report.  

HAITI :: Haitian All-Americans

Remy, our newest Haitian baseball fanatic! (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Remy practicing (photo credit: Brian Clark)

The All-American sport of baseball was introduced to campers this summer. Thanks to our partnership with Physicians For Peace and the generous support of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we were able to bring baseball caps, bats, balls and gloves to Camp Jake. 

Kids learned the basics and even played modified games on the beach. Seat cushions served as bases in the sand along the beach. Teams were created and the fun began, offering lessons in teamwork, following directions and, of course, exercise. 

Campers of all abilities participated, some ditching their crutches—like Remy—because they could hop faster from base-to-base. We continue to be amazed and inspired by the ability of these campers and relish the opportunity to provide new experiences to them at each camp session.

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Interested in serving as as a counselor for Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back 

to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: In the news

Strong partnerships between US NGOs helps expand summer camp for children with disabilities in Haiti

Three-year partnership between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace brings more kids to camp

Camp Director, Tom, brandishing the donation from Physicians for Peace with campers

Havertown, PA – July 2, 2013 – Thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated group of nonprofits, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will gather outside Port-au-Prince again this July for an unparalleled summer camp experience. Camp Jake (a program of The Red Thread Promise) removes physical and emotional barriers, engaging campers in activities that promote health, healing and exploration in a fun nurturing environment. Thanks to The Red Thread’s long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace and a grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we are able to expand the camp, bringing hope and healing to more students from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.

Together with the Players Trust, Physicians for Peace recently awarded $22,000 to The Red Thread Promise to support Camp Jake. The 40 plus campers expected to attend camp July 12-19 call St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children home in Port-au-Prince. 

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 16-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, camp director and Red Thread board member. “We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of ability, class, race or circumstance. Camp Jake will assure that physical limitations are left behind and replaced with endless opportunities for emotional and physical development in a fun-filled atmosphere. 

During camp, blind, deaf and non-ambulatory children take part in creative arts, music, occupational and physical therapy, expand on personal hygiene, hone life-skills, and participate in career-building opportunities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, campers learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and experience that love and respect reciprocated by Camp Jake counselors. 

"Physicians for Peace is thrilled to work with our partners to ensure that these children receive the care and fun-filled experience they deserve and need to lead healthier, happier lives," said Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). "Once again, Camp Jake will be a life-changing experience."

“The Players Trust and all Major Leaguers are honored to support the efforts of Physicians for Peace and Camp Jake in helping provide these special young children with an experience they’ll never forget,” said Melissa Persaud, director of the Players Trust.  “Major Leaguers, through the Players Trust, are passionate about helping people in time of need. The players realize that misfortune can befall anyone at any time and are determined to partner with like-minded charitable organizations that share their passion to help.”

ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE

The Red Thread Promise is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to needy and orphaned children in China, Haiti and the United States. Our diverse programs exist to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities so they can live independently with dignity, health and, most importantly, HOPE. For additional information about our work in Haiti, please watch our video. Find The Red Thread online, on Facebook, and Twitter: @trtpromise. 

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE
Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteer healthcare professionals to assist developing nations with unmet needs and scarce resources. Through effective, hands-on medical education and training, clinical care and donated medical supplies, Physicians for Peace develops long-term, sustainable, replicable and evidence-based programs to help partner nations build medical capability and capacity to help themselves. For additional information about Physicians for Peace, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter, Physician4Peace.

ABOUT THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube. Follow the Trust on Twitter: @MLBPlayersTrust.

CAMP JAKE: Continuing with physical therapy

During Camp Jake July 2012, with the support of Physicians for Peace therapist, Jake M, we began doing physical therapy with some of the campers. That therapy continues through Camp Jake 2013 with the help of our nurses, Ashly and Danielle. The pair took Marie Line and Christina into the pool for adpated therapy where they stretched and toned muscles while strengthening their cores.

Christina being helped into the pool for therapy (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Ashly working with Christina (photo credit: Brian Clark)

During an interview prior to camp, we asked each of our nurses to tell us a bit about themselves and what compelled them to volunteer. (Read about Danielle.)

ASHLY, RN

Originally from New Orleans, Ashly is a recent graduate of nursing school and sister of Camp Jake Director, Tom. After speaking with her, it was evident that Tom's enthusiasm for camp had certainly rubbed off! Having heard the gritty details of the two previous camps first-hand, Ashly acknowledged that the workload would be huge but she was up for the challenge. "This certainly won't be a vacation, but I am really looking forward to doing things for others. Relationships built with the campers will be hard to break at the end of the week. I'm prepared for this to bring out raw emotions in all of us."

In a more formal statement, Ashly wrote "My underlying passion is caring for others. This passion fuels my search for volunteer opportunities where my compassion and skills can be used to their fullest. I was—and still am—inspired by The Red Thread Promise’s mission to provide for orphans and needy children and positively impact their young lives. As this is my first mission trip, I plan to learn more about Haiti's culture, population end environment to further my involvement in projects dedicated to improving living conditions. Finally, I hope that I will be empowered by the individuals I encounter, walking away with a humbling and satisfying experience that will change my outlook on life."  

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Interested in serving as medical staff during Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: Medical care at camp

Ashly & Danielle treat Jean for an aggravated lesion received prior to camp 
(photo credit: Brian Clark)

Thanks to our long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace, campers receive medical care during their week with us. Physicians for Peace sponsored our two nurses, Danielle and Ashly, bringing round-the-clock expertise to our team.

We will be keeping our nurses busy! The pair will:

• provide guidance to campers and caretakers alike on maintaining clean and healthy habits when caring for themselves or others
• support the camp in any medical situation that may arise, including recommendations for followup care upon their return to St. Vincent's
• record any medical concerns campers bring to Camp Jake, address them as possible during the week, and follow up with Fr. Sadoni for further treatment following camp
• continue the physical therapy exercises taught by Jake during the July 2012 camp, encouraging similar practices

To avoid infection, Danielle applies anti-bacterial creme after swimming 
(photo credit: Brian Clark)

During an interview prior to Camp Jake 2013, we asked each of our nurses to tell us a bit about themselves and why they wanted to participate in camp. (Read about Danielle below and Ashly in our next post.)

DANIELLE, RN
Originally from Baton Rouge, Danielle is a recent graduate of nursing school. For her first mission trip, she brings her bubbly positive attitude, deep love of children, and passion for healthcare to the table. When asked how she felt about going to Haiti, we couldn't write fast enough! "Happy. Excited. Nervous. A touch scared. But mostly excited! I know that my perspective on life will be forever changed. I hope I can be a positive influence on the campers' lives."

In a more formal statement, Danielle wrote "I chose to be a part of Camp Jake for many reasons. I want to refine my vision of life, to broaden my thinking based on this experience, and consider new ways of doing things. By serving these children, I hope to learn and refine skills that can be used throughout my life and shared with others. But most importantly, the measure of success will be based on one thing: returning with knowledge that will help me impact the needs of my own community."

Ashly (left) and Danielle (right)
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Interested in serving as medical staff during Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: An open invitation

Shawn, Camp Jake counselor, making memories
with Frénel, a blind camper (July 2012)

This July, The Red Thread Promise is swinging wide the doors of Camp Jake to share the work we are doing for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Haiti. We have invited representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations—local, national and international—as well as Haitian business owners to experience camp along side The Red Thread team.

Some of our esteemed guests for this summer's session include our partners from Physicians For Peace, as well as representatives from Unicef, MINUSTAH (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti), and the OAS (Organization of American States). All have been invited to take part in our efforts to change both local and global attitudes toward PWDs and take steps to integrate PWDs into Haitian society without discrimination.

Ultimately, The Red Thread's goal is to bring communities together, where everyone is viewed with dignity. During our activities around the world, we model respectful and inclusive behavior toward PWDs. We bring medical teams to meet their physical needs and provide tools to enrich their daily lives. We have been actively discussing discrimination issues in Haiti since 2009, encouraging the implementation of anti-discrimination strategies. Fortunately, on March 13, 2012, the Haitian Senate passed the Law on the Integration of Disabled Persons, the first of its kind in the country. This law provides us the legal support necessary to enact fundamental change in this tiny Caribbean country.  

Art therapist, Kelly, showing love to blind campers (July 2012)

But above all, we build relationships, showing love and care to those often cast out by their own society. Camp Jake provides the perfect opportunity to do so, a full week of one-on-one interaction with 40 PWDs from St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children. Campers enjoy physical, occupational, art and music therapy in a safe atmosphere where each is encouraged to be themselves in an open and inclusive environment.

Sonya, TRTP Vice President, sharing laughs and hugs with Kenson

By its very existence, Camp Jake has proven to be a powerful tool in changing Haitian attitudes toward PWDs. We have witnessed locals, tourists and even hotel staff change their attitude and reception of PWDs within hours of witnessing campers interact with one another and our team. This type of positive experience is essential to debunking the local myths about people with disabilities. 

We believe the keys to societal reform are achievable by:

• Giving Haitians the opportunity to witness positive inclusive behavior
• Encouraging Haitians to directly engage with PWDs
• Speaking openly about the issues PWDs face 

Camp Jake is a wonderful venue to showcase PWDs' ability to integrate fully in society without discrimination. We invite you to keep visiting our Facebook page and blog for updates leading up to Camp Jake 2013 and throughout the amazing camp experience.

CAMP JAKE - Invaluable partnerships

Mary, from Physicians for Peace, feeding Yolen, one of our campers
from St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children during the
first session of Camp Jake (Jan 2012). We are hopeful that representatives
from Physicians for Peace will join us again this summer for the 3rd session!

Thank you Physicians for Peace for once again teaming with The Red Thread Promise to bring a meaningful, educational and therapeutic experience to St. Vincent's students through Camp Jake 2013! Your generous donation of time, talents and resources will help the TRTP team bring more medical professionals to camp, additional camper support, and help purchase much needed supplies. We value your partnership!

CAMP JAKE :: PT with Maille

Maille during one of her physical therapy sessions
with Jake (photo by Howard Chen)

CAMP JAKE / JULY 2012 :: Meet Maille, one of the sweetest girls at St. Vincent's. She is very caring, often more concerned about others than herself. She is talkative—communicating in Kreyol, English and sign language—with the most memorable smile and hugs to match. Maille is exceptionally bright and has great charisma and love for life, an amazing attitude for all that she has endured in her short life.

Abandoned at the gate of St. Vincent's at the age of 10, Maille is a permanent resident who remembers nothing of her days before joining the St. Vincent's family. She suffers from severe scoliosis and is also an earthquake survivor who suffered a traumatic head wound. Her injuries were so severe that a group of rescuers who had already gone through the debris at St. Vincent's left her for dead. Determined to save everyone, other St. Vincent's residents flagged down some people from the street to pull her out of the rubble. Maille was transported to a boat where her surgery was performed to close the wound on her head.

During camp, Jake McCrowell—a Physician's for Peace physical therapist—worked one-on-one with Maille, teaching her exercises that would build stability and control of her lower limbs. These physical therapy exercises should enhance her core and impact her daily life in significant ways by:

• easing transfers from the wheelchair
• improve her function while performing activities out of the wheelchair such as dressing and bathing
• reducing the stress on her back by sitting more upright and extended
• education of pressure relief for various body parts caused by prolonged wheelchair use

Maille smiled through the exercises and kept a positive attitude even when Jake pushed her out of her comfort zone. It is our hope that she continues these exercises and strengthens her body. We look forward to seeing Maille's progress during our visits to St. Vincent's throughout 2012 and next year at Camp Jake 2013.

Tom and his new buddy (photo by Howard Chen)

CAMP JAKE :: PT with Marie-Line

Jake working with Marie-Line

CAMP JAKE / JULY 2012 :: Meet Marie-Line, one of the lovely young ladies from St. Vincent's. She is a thoughtful,  observant and very creative girl whose smile lit up Camp Jake every day. Like any typical 18-year-old, she enjoys hanging out with other girls her age and storytelling. She is a pleasure to be around and is loved by many at St. Vincent's and The Red Thread.

Marie-Line was born with congenital birth defects including a right club foot and left leg which had to be amputated beneath the knee. Marie-Line now wears a prosthesis on her left leg and walks with the aid of a pair of crutches.

From left: Gregory, one of our translators, Marie-Line and Jake

To our knowledge, no one had ever formally taught Marie-Line how to use her prosthetic. Jake McCrowell—a Physician's for Peace physical therapist who joined us as a counselor for the week—had the opportunity to work with her on multiple occasions during camp, a blessing for both patient and physical therapist. With the help of Gregory and his translation skills, Jake was able to build a solid rapport with Marie-Line, establishing a level of trust before asking her to perform progressively more difficult exercises. His strategies were sound:

• begin with easier exercises that can build up over time and become more challenging
• build the patient's confidence through earlier successes, helping to keep them from getting discouraged later
• practice the "90 percent rule" - help the patient succeed 90% of the time

Learning new mobility skills

The goals Jake set out for Marie-Line were lofty, but achievable:

• to give her tools to help her become more independent
• to teach her to walk more functionally
• to build her strength, balance and endurance so she can use the least restrictive assistance device to navigate her environment more safely and quickly 
• to reduce the likelihood of shoulder and back problems, prevent scoliosis and further injury from long-term crutch use

During their many sessions, Jake was able to build a personalized exercise program for Marie-Line to practice on her own following camp. Marie-Line was receptive to his suggestions and worked very hard during the sessions, often coming away exhausted, but proud of her accomplishments. She left camp having learned:

• not to fear putting pressure on her prosthetic leg, a step closer to walking freely
• to balance on the leg so she could take a normal step
• to use a single crutch instead of two, all great steps toward a more independent life.

We dream of the day when her club foot can be surgically fixed and when she walks with a cane instead of a crutch. With your continued support of our programs at St. Vincent's, we hope to one day share with you that these dreams have become reality for this radiant young woman.

CAMP JAKE :: Exploring masks

Kelly showing her mask

CAMP JAKE / JULY 2012 :: From Kelly Andrews, our art therapist from Physicians for Peace: With the first Camp Jake a success, I was excited to return to my now extended Haitian family. I knew I would once again watch the campers create art and explore new mediums, while simultaneously discovering comfort levels within themselves. 

After helping campers create 2-dimensional life-size paintings of themselves during the first camp, I wanted to offer a 3-dimensional experience. For the second Camp Jake, I brought along plaster cast materials with which to cast each participant's face. This not only piggy-backed on the life-size paintings, but gave campers a kinesthetic experience, allowing them to discover themselves with a new media, while also playing on the symbolic nature of masks in cultures. 

Samantha prepping for plaster

Kelly working on Samantha's mask

Skilled fingers smooth the surface

Samantha and Kelly showing off the completed piece

As human beings, we often wear a variety of masks depending on our emotional and sometimes physical state-of-being. Metaphorically, one might wear a mask that portrays happiness when, in reality, he or she may be internally struggling with sadness. However, the environment might not allow the person experiencing the sadness to express themselves genuinely. Until a safe place is found to truly express what he or she is feeling, a mask of happiness or content might be worn. 

Many of our campers wore different masks returning to Camp Jake, greeting us with smiles when they got off the bus this camp; in January, however, the more common "deer in headlight" looks greeted counselors at the first camp. Returning campers were now comfortable with us and understood we were there to make them happy, to be alive, and not to fear our differences.

As people with handicap needs tend not to be treated as equals in Haiti and elsewhere in the world, it is the metaphorical mask that is worn by these campers on a daily basis when they are not in St. Vincent’s. While the Act on the Integration of Disabled People was adopted on March 13, 2012 in Haiti, it will take time and a shift in cultural norms before an act on a piece of paper changes the perspective of a people. Our campers are among a population who have been marginalized in a culture that does not understand that difference does not equate a throw away human being. Instead, differences should inspire conversation and education.

The intent of Camp Jake is to strip away the stigmas placed on the campers in their daily lives. The mask making experience allowed them to literally and figuratively display who they are in a comfortable setting. This was evident in a variety of ways during the mask making process. 

Both returning and new campers were seemingly comfortable with me placing plaster on their faces, a sometimes claustrophobic or uncomfortable experience. I questioned if this was comfort or an unfortunate obligation to do what someone asks of them. 

After the masks dried, each camper—blind, deaf and physically handicapped—was given the task to paint their mask on their own. Interesting conversations and experiences were revealed throughout the process. 

When I asked Claurician, a camper and participant in the project, how masks are significant in Haitian culture she replied “In Haiti, masks are used in Carnival”, the biggest and most awaited celebration in the Caribbean Islands, full of colorful parades, enchanting music and traditional dances.

Caroline guiding Jesula

With the help of their counselor, Caroline, blind and sight-impaired girls—Rosanna, Rosaline and Jesula—came in to paint their masks. They were asked what colors they wanted to use to paint their masks. Jesula asked for “blue like the sky” and a variety of blues were placed on her palette.

Dieumene helping Louvens with his mask

Dieumene's surprise at being asked not to help

At one point Dieumene, an independent woman born without arms, began to use her feet to paint three of the blind boys' masks. She was seemingly offended when I asked her to stop, as I explained this is an individual project for each camper as they are all artists. She replied “He does not want it ugly.” I then informed her how we could help by explaining color choices and placement on the palettes, to which she shrugged her shoulders and eventually began to work on her own mask. 

Frennel examining Ulrich Jean's work-in-progress

Frennel being prepped for plaster

The blind examining a completed mask before making their own

Frennel was an example of a camper who has severe vision impairment who did not let his lack of literal vision get in the way of his imaginative vision. Frennel was brought in to paint with his two roommates, Jean Marc and Gary, all who are are blind or have severe vision difficulties. Frennel inspected each of his roommate’s masks as well as his own before, during and after the painting process.

Samantha, a deaf teen, painted her mask with bright colors and vibrant glitter paint. The outside of her mask reflected the spirit of Samantha that was seen during the week of camp, until the last three days when she was more withdrawn with the thoughts of camp ending. 

No two masks are alike which is indicative of us as human beings. In a gallery setting, an observer would have a hard time deciphering the person’s handicap needs while viewing the masks. Instead, viewers only see that each camper is another human being—one who has figuratively and now literally—worn a mask in their lifetime. 

Each camper is an individual who deserves the respect and dignity to be treated as an equal to those without physical differences. In the long run, we all hold differences we wish not to be judged upon; some are just better at wearing masks than others.  

CAMP JAKE :: Wondrous moments with Auguste

Sonya and Auguste enjoying the peaceful ocean (photo by Howard Chen)

CAMP JAKE / JULY 2012 :: Born without eyes and various other disabilities, Auguste is a handsome wheelchair-bound boy who required special attention throughout the week at Camp Jake. Although he came to Camp Jake with his own caregiver, Sonya—TRTP Vice President—spent a lot of time with him, talking, dancing, swimming and ensuring that he was involved in music at every opportunity.

Jake working with Auguste (photo by Howard Chen)

In the first days of camp, Jake—a Physicians For Peace physical therapist—evaluated Auguste in the pool to get a sense of his flexibility and potential for improvement over the week. Jake expertly maneuvered Auguste's limbs in every manner imaginable, moving from his small hands to arms to his curled up legs, using the soothing water to his advantage for these movements. After the evaluation, Jake handed off Auguste to Sonya and gave suggestions for her to work on straightening his legs that are usually in a tight bent position and ultimately trying to get him to put weight on his tiny legs.

Jake holding Auguste's feet in the pool (photo by Howard Chen)

Sonya exercised his legs for quite some time as Jake had suggested and slowly moved him through the water to a more shallow spot. Holding him under his arms around the chest, she encouraged him to put weight on his legs. To everyone's surprise, he did it—Auguste stood up in the water! Using Sonya as a stabilizer, he stood for at least 20 minutes in the pool that day. 

Little did we know that no one at St. Vincent's had ever seen Auguste stand! Although therapists had been working with him for years, they weren't even sure he was capable.

A group of deaf girls caught sight of this small but very significant feat. They started signing to one another saying "Hey, look at that!" Laura signed back "Yes, we hope to have him standing on both feet by the end of the week" to which they responded "No way!" Then "Very cool!" 

Another evening, Auguste was sitting alone after dinner. Freshly fed, his caregiver was helping another child so Sonya went over to him, stood by his wheelchair and began speaking to him. Auguste quickly wrapped his thin arms around Sonya's neck and STOOD UP on his own two feet, all by himself! 

Someone cried "Look at Auguste!" and the entire dining room turned and gasped. No one could believe what they were seeing! He stood again for more that 15 min that evening.

Auguste nearly jumped into Sonya's arms in one amazing moment

Later on in the week, Auguste began calling Sonya by name and asking to stand up by pulling up on her waist or neck. He stood in the pool, the ocean and on the pavement. On the final day of camp, before getting on the bus, he even said "I love you" in English and Kreyol. 

What a wondrous week with an extraordinary human being. We are so glad to be a part of this young man's life. It is our hope that he will continue to stand at St. Vincent's. Who knows? Maybe at the next camp we can help him WALK!

Auguste saying "hi" with his hands

Diana looking on at little Auguste on his own two feet

CAMP JAKE :: First day of camp!

Tom helping Miele from the van

Auguste exiting the van in the motorized lift!

Fresh off the bus for Camp Jake

Jimmy carrying his most prized possession: his accordian!

What better way to begin the day than watching the kids pull up to the entrance of Kaliko in the WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN we helped secure for St. Vincent's! The bus finally made it through customs and into the hands of St. Vincent's a few short weeks ago. 


We couldn't have done so without the Rhode Island Conference United Church of Christ Haiti Task Force, Physicians for Peace, St. James Episcopal (Eureka, AR), Episcopal Diocese of RI and all of the Red Thread supporters -- to them we tip our hats and say thank you again. Actually seeing the fruit of our labor in use after months of waiting was fantastic! Just another example of the red thread of destiny connecting us all for the good of others. 


Greeting the van and following bus was our own Camp Jake band, complete with guitar, vocals and percussion. Campers enjoyed the music as they were lowered from the van on the lift and hugged by new and returning counselors. New campers were a bit shy, but the returning ones were exuberant! Their smiles were infectious, their hugs and kisses much anticipated.

Orientation fun

Tom, JoJo and Gregory having too much fun during orientation

The junior counselors all had the same impression of the campers, one that The Red Thread has had for a long time: what an amazing group of kids! They were very touched by the way the campers helped one another. A sighted camper would go to the entrance of the bus to receive a blind friend's hand and guide them to the reception area. A blind camper pushed his wheelchair-bound friend up the ramp to wait with the others. To this day, observing this kindness first-hand amazes us and sets a fine example of how humans should treat one another, regardless of ability.


Following a brown bag lunch, name tags were passed out and room assignments were given. Counselors helped campers retrieve their luggage and find their rooms to settle in and rest after the long, sweaty drive from Port-au-Prince.

Blind campers in the pool

Then the fun really began. We met at the pool mid afternoon and, after reviewing all of the safety rules, it was open for business. Unlike the first camp, where swimming was a new experience and campers needed a lot of encouragement to get in the water, returning campers flocked to the pool. Even the most shy asked to go in. With ample counselors, everyone who wanted to go in, did. Anyone in a wheelchair was lifted out and had their own personal lifeguard. They floated, splashed, dunked, danced, laughed and played. 

Jake doing an assessment (foreground)

Jake, the physical therapist from Physicians For Peace, moved from camper to camper -- focusing primarily on the non-ambulatory ones -- to give an initial assessment of their condition. By doing this in the water, it lessened any anxiety that the kids might experience. He accessed the overall tone and spacicity (amount of rigidity compared to passive motion) of the campers arms and legs. Jake also tried to move their limbs in certain directions to release tension and to see if they have full range of motion. In layman's terms, he was determining how each person was wired for motion. 


Jake then showed Sonya, one of the counselors, how to do weight bearing and stretching exercises with Auguste, one of the wheelchair-bound children whose movement is very limited. When Auguste floated, he didn't respond as well - his legs contracted up to his chest as they often do while sitting in his wheelchair, But when we raised him to his feet in a somewhat standing position, he slowly extended his legs and began to bear weight on one or the other. 


In short, Auguste STOOD in the water, something we had never seen him do! (Sadly, we have no photos since Sonya is the photographer!)


This sparked quite the commotion among observing campers, particularly a group of deaf girls working with Laura. His standing caught their attention and they poked at one another to gain attention. The looks on their faces was pure astonishment. They quickly signed 3 phrases repeatedly:

• "No way"! 
• "That can't be happening!"
• "Do you see that?" 

Laura responded "Yes, he's standing on one leg and then the other. We hope by the end of the week he can stand on both". To which they replied "that is REALLY cool". 


Little did they know that, by the end of our time in the pool, Auguste was already putting weight on both legs! We asked Jake his thoughts on this and he was thrilled with what he observed, stating that Auguste showed lots of potential. We will continue working with him throughout the week, pursuing weight bearing exercises and limb extensions for longer periods of time to improve potential bone and muscle growth. We will also begin training both counselors and caregivers with these exercises so this basic physical therapy can be continued far beyond Jake's time with the kids.

Andy with 2 of our blind campers, Elisme and Markenson

Following pool time, campers returned to their rooms to change and relax before dinner. 


Dinner is another story that we'd like to share. But it is late, we are exhausted and there is time for that story tomorrow. Sleep well, dear readers, and we will talk to you again in the morning.