As we commemorate the six-month anniversary of the earthquake, it is hard to remember the situation in this country before the ground started shaking started on Jan. 12th. All of our efforts since those 55 seconds of panic and the terrible aftermath that followed have been focused on aiding those most affected, the most vulnerable, and the poorest (many times all three).

Since Jan. 12th, we have become a national center for spinal cord injury, as well as provided rehabilitation to some of the most severely injured patients seen in the quake. Helicopter landings became a daily part of our lives and we still have many patients at the hospital receiving rehabilitative care that were delivered to us by the US Navy or German Help One. Our foundation has delivered tons of food to some of the most vulnerable members of our catchment area. Our staff has continued primary care at our hospital in Fond des Blancs, as well as in Villa.  In fact, despite the severe damage to our clinic in Villa, tents and a converted depot replaced the primary healthcare returned to the village within a week of the destruction.

Time and time again, St. Boniface's team on the ground has been able to provide life-saving interventions to those in need. Despite the enormous stress and personal turmoil that most of our staff experienced in the days after the quake, we never had anyone leave their post, or shirk responsibility. Our employees and volunteers have truly been a tribute to the enormous compassion and resiliency of the Haitian people and the last six months have been a testament to everyone's character and dedication to service.

This is not to say that there are not enormous challenges going forward. Those of you who have seen recent images of Haiti know that tent cities still dominate the landscape, many schools remain closed, and public health threats still dominate the conversation. Driving around Port-Au-Prince and outlying areas, the scale of the damage to life and property still remains staggering. The whole country continues to monitor weather reports as we pray for a reprieve during the current hurricane season.

However, I believe that St. Boniface has shown that a rebirth is possible in this country despite the overwhelming odds. Over the coming months, we will continue the rebuilding process necessary for the country to move forward. Our objectives include building and staffing the national spinal cord rehabilitation unit, reinforcing the infrastructure and staffing of St. Boniface Hospital and Villa Clinic, ensuring more children are able to attend quality schools, providing food (and crops) for those who are most vulnerable, and providing jobs for those struggling with the enormous economic effects of Jan. 12th.

While our activity level remains high, we cannot lose sight of the gains that have been made. Recently, a child in town said to me that "I thought after the earthquake, we would sink into the sea, but look, we are still here!" It is for the most vulnerable who are "still here" that we must continue to do all that we can to aid in the recovery and the rebuilding. Thank you for your continued support and we will continue to provide updates of progress during the coming months.

Best from Fond des Blancs,

Conor Shapiro, MPH

Director

We are proud of the accomplishments of patients like Evelyn.

Evelyn arrived from the USNS Comfort after suffering a traumatic brain injury during the earthquake.

With the help of the St. Boniface team, Evelyn made significant progress and

returned home on June 24th, after five months of rehab care.