Inspiration
Three years ago, our mother (Susie) fell and shattered her kneecap while my family was on vacation in Jamaica. We took her to the best local hospital there, and our experience there showed us how much we took our way of life for granted. Patients awaiting treatment lined the floors and flustered nurses rushed around trying in vain to find simple medical equipment that the hospital did
not have. When the nurse that treated our mother went to cut the bandage off of her knee, she had to use office scissors because the hospital lacked medical shears. With the knowledge that this was one of the best hospitals in Jamaica, we could only imagine the conditions in the others. Still, even with the extremely limited supplies, the staff there worked hard to make sure that our mother got the best care possible. With the new realization of just how lucky we are to live comfortable lives every day, we became determined to make a difference in the lives of others. "The Susie's Knee Project"
The mission of the project is to "help medical providers serve underprivileged patients by providing materials, equipment, and supplies." With the help of generous donations from family and friends, a "test run" shipment was sent to St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital in Jamaica to learn how to navigate the red tape of shipping to another country. The preliminary shipment included over $2,000 worth of medical supplies like hydrogen peroxide, disposible razors, alcohol swabs, examination gloves, assorted bandages, utility scissors, sponges, and even 100 pounds of gungo peas (a staple food on the island). Since the first shipment, we have been setting the stage to grow the project. Using the contacts and connections made through the first process, we look forward to sending a second, larger shipment of supplies to the hospital that helped our mother.
