They say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Over the last few weeks I have been fortunate to be part of a worldwide village of committed volunteers that has focused on getting Tania the advanced care she needs to have a chance at a full and rich life. I first told you her story when I was in Milot last month. She is a 23 year old, vibrant woman, who has had multiple recurrences of a benign but locally aggressive chest wall tumor. I knew we were working to get her treatment in the states. Many of the hospitals that had taken the brunt of Haitian patients after the quake were no longer able to provide the levels of care needed. I did an evaluation and medical summary while in Milot and made some calls. So did other volunteers throughout the world. Several weeks ago, she was accepted for treatment at Johns Hopkins. Needless to say, this was very meaningful to me, although I had little to do with the actual application.
The work then truly began. We needed visas and clearance from both the Haitian and the American authorities, transportation, and support when they arrived in Baltimore. Emails and scanned documents traversed the web 24/7. At last count, more than 20 volunteers, many who have never met, were focused on getting her care. The plan was for a private flight from Cap to Fort Lauderdale this past Saturday, followed by a commercial flight today. As of Thursday, the papers had still not been completed in Port au Prince. We were concerned that things would fall apart. But we all had faith, and it worked. Visas were flown from Port au Prince to Cap Haitian. Tania and her mother left yesterday and were flown by Ed and his son to the States. Currently, aboard a Southwest flight to Baltimore, are Tania and her Mom, assisted by the crew who have been briefed and were very happy to help. Tania and her mother will be met by other volunteers and members of the Baltimore Haitian community. She begins her evaluation at JHH Monday morning.
In another confluence of fate, I have just returned from Baltimore, where I have just joined the Hopkins alumni council, as well as continued my work as my medical school class agent. During that time, I saw the commitment of the organization to not only provide world class care and research, but also never forget their mission of increasing access to those in need. Tania’s care will cost Hopkins substantial resources, but it was clearly something they wanted to do. I also had the privilege of meeting many medical students in a career networking symposium, and was able to share perspectives. Not surprisingly, most were committed to volunteer work as part of their careers.
In the lobby of the Dome at Hopkins stands a statue of Jesus. Hopkins is not a faith based institution, and the story of the statue reflects the times of the hospital's opening. Although I am Jewish, I have always felt a sense of spirit when entering the dome. I can only imagine how Tania will feel, 1500 miles away from her home, when she enters this healing place and sees the figure.
I have been doing a lot of self reflection over the last year, as my life and career are taking some new directions. At times I was cynical about peoples’ motivations, but have been refocused by participating in experiences like Tania, and the support of great educational institutions and the next generation.
Not only does it take a village to raise a child, but it takes continued human connection and support to help that child reach full potential at every age.
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