one year later

I am one of many finding it hard to believe that today marks the one-year anniversary of the 2010 Earthquake. The staggering losses caused by the 7.0 magnitude quake that shook Haiti to its core are still hard to comprehend: almost 300,000 people lost their lives, 400,000 were injured, and more than 500,000 homes and buildings were destroyed, leaving approximately 1.3 million people homeless. As though the immensity of the challenges facing Haitians, no strangers to prior suffering, weren’t Sisyphean enough, recovery needs in Haiti have been compounded over the past year by ongoing political instability, a damaging hurricane season, a devastating outbreak of cholera, and the unmet promises from the international aid community.

In reflecting upon these grave realities today in January 2011, it is hard to not feel incensed by the continued distress in Haiti, just as it was impossible to not feel shocked and horrified in January 2010. However, the sentiments of outrage and convicted compassion that brought about the 100 Beds campaign in the first months of last year, have been met with feelings of appreciation, accomplishment, and hopefulness at the beginning of a new year.

Never would I have imagined that, in less than a year’s time, an idea emerging from a sense of powerlessness in the face of tragedy would be transformed into a sense of powerfulness and into an initiative compelling hundreds of others to help get hospital beds where they were most badly needed. I am one of many inspired by the generous and collaborative efforts of people like you contributing to Haiti’s recovery, that have helped us move from 0 to 100+; beyond the website, the events, the awareness raising, and the surpassing of our initial goal of sending 100 hospital beds, I know that I am not alone in being impressed by the concerted work of a few people to accomplish something tangible, green, and compassionate. For all of these efforts, I would like to extend my thanks to each of you that have helped make this project a reality over the past year, through which worn-out cots and mats have been replaced with durable hospital beds, to help support Haiti’s healthy recovery.

In the past year our partners at Hôpital Sacré Coeur have treated over 1000 earthquake victims and their families, as well as 1000+ cholera victims, through surgeries, prostheses, and first class care. On this day, as we continue awaiting the delivery of our latest shipment of beds and medical supplies to HSC, we reflect upon the work of our partners, and strong Haitian communities, that directly support living and healing with dignity through more than temporary solutions.

Despite the enormity of needs and the challenges faced in Haiti today, one year later, I am comforted by these varied small achievements, remain determined to see Haiti's healthy and prosperous future, and implore others to keep fighting because there is still so much work to be done. On today’s momentous anniversary, I’d like to ask you to remember those that lost their lives and livelihoods, and to think of those that persist and fight to survive. Please continue to support Haitian recovery through direct contributions to ongoing relief efforts and by appreciating the important message that comes forth in the story of Haitian survival: one of our shared humanity, our abilities to collaborate to create change, and the essentiality of perseverance.