Dallas Medical Team Recalls Haiti Earthquake Outreach
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - It was one year ago Wednesday that Haiti was violently rocked by a strong earthquake, and we all watched as the small island nation began to search for a way out from underneath the rubble. And in the wake of the devestation, 230,000 people were killed and 1.5 million people were left homeless. Billions of dollars have been dedicated to rebuilding, but it has been very slow going.
CBS 11 News traveled to Haiti with a Dallas medical team last year. Now, those specialists look back and remember that experience on the quake's anniversary.
"We just developed a very close bond," said Diane Jackson-Abel, talking about a young man who she met in Haiti and now sees as a gift. They still keep in touch via Facebook. The Irving mother viewed her journey to the country, filled with dead and injured people, as an escape from a painful anniversary of her own – the death of her son. "I was praying to God to help me with getting through that week, and it was amazing that I got the phone call."
Jackson-Abel, a nurse, joined a team of Dallas-based doctors and staff affiliated with Forest Park Medical Center on a three-day medical offensive. The group provided immediate medical care to victims of Haiti's massive earthquake. For 36 hours, CBS 11 News watched the Dallas specialists work to save lives.
Dr. Richard Toussaint led the Forest Park crew. One year later, he said, Haiti's rebuilding must stand on a foundation of the building of minds, not just structures. "I think education is where it must start," he said. "We look forward to the time when we can go back and begin those efforts."
Meanwhile, Jackson-Abel teamed with the Leap Foundation for a second trip to Haiti. That medical group, also based in Dallas, has continued to work to provide care to earthquake victims. And Jackson-Abel said that she will continue outreach efforts. It helped her get through a period of grief, and she is now committed to helping others get through their own difficult times.
