Walking Free Blog
For One Special Girl, A Birthday Celebration to Remember
We received an update today from Physicians for Peace-Philippines... and the news is so heartwarming, we just have to share it!
After getting caught in crossfire, sweet Nadia benefited from...
Teaching Hope & Love: Lessons from the 'Comilia'
Written by: Susan Klappa PT, PhD
Note: In January 2012, Physicians for Peace volunteer Sue Klappa presented the Sr. Anne Joachim Moore Lecture at St. Catherine University in Minneapolis...
The Amazing Race - Shoes for Campers
The Amazing Race is one of America’s top network TV reality shows, where teams compete in a race around the world to compete in both mental and physical challenges along...
First ASCENT Seminar Trains More than 50 Persons with Disabilities
From the Field: Manila, Philippines
Written by: Dr. Josephine Bundoc
Notes:
Amputee Screening via Cellphone Networking (ASCENT) is Smart’s contribution to the...
A Filipino Priest Scours the Mountains of Davao del Sur to Find a Prosthesis for Benjie
From the Field: Manila, Philippines
Written by: Dr. Josephine Bundoc
Note: Dr. Josephine Bundoc, a recent Physicians for Peace award winner of our Volunteer...
On the Ground in Santiago, PT Students Observe Care at 2 Clinics
Written by: Anna Wood, PFP Staff
From the field: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Note: Building on a longtime partnership, students from the College of Health Sciences at Old...
In Rehabilitation Ward, a Powerful Young Friendship Blossoms
Written by: Josephine “Penny” Bundoc, MD, PFP-Philippines Walking Free Director
From the field: Manila, the Philippines
Note: When Dr. Bundoc – one of...
Haitian Technicians Celebrate Landmarks in Education
Written by: Sue Johnson, PT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Note: Johnson volunteered at the Hanger Clinic in Deschapelles for two weeks, in...
'Ready for a New Life': Stories from the Hanger Clinic
Written by: Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT, recently spent two weeks at the Hanger Clinic in Deschapelles, Haiti,...
On Return Mission to Haiti, New Friends and Progress
Written by: Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT, recently spent two weeks at the Hanger Clinic in Deschapelles, Haiti,...
Stories from the field: A Volunteer Reflects on Friends in Haiti
Written by: Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Mary Anne Kramer-Urner, MPT, recently spent two weeks at the Hanger Clinic in Deschapelles, Haiti,...
Calif. Family Pulls Together in Haiti
Written by: Sage Kramer-Urner, age 13
From the Field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Note: This is the first installment in a blog series submitted by the Kramer-Urner family – Dave, Mary...
First Time Volunteering Abroad
Written by: Shiuan Huang, PT, DPT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Note: Physicians for Peace is a founding member of the Haitian Amputee Coalition, a group that includes Albert...
Physical Therapy Training Program at HAS
Written by: Denise English, PT
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Note: Physicians for Peace is a founding member of the Haitian Amputee Coalition, a group that includes Albert...
Meetings and Reunions in Santo Domingo
Written by Mary Westbrok, PFP staff
From PFP headquarters: Norfolk, Va
Since wrapping up our mission in Santo Domingo, I’ve had some time to think about our meetings from last week...
Manila Welcomes Landmark P&O Degree Program
Written by: Ron Sconyers, president and CEO
From the field: Manila, the Philippines
Three years ago, Dr. Penny Bundoc approached the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the...
Dispatches from Manila
Written by: Ron Sconyers, president and CEO
From the field: Manila, the Philippines
Today we visited to the Philippines General Hospital/PFP Walking Free Clinic. In place...
Old Dominion University & Physicians for Peace Mission Trip
Written by: Mary Westbrook, PFP Staff
From the field: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Today is our team's...
Empowering Haitians
Written by: Sue Klappa PT, PhD
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
When organizations partner to make changes in countries like Haiti, we can all agree that is a...
Treating Patients Holistically in Haiti
Written by: Sue Klappa, PT, PhD
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
It has been a great deal of fun to return to the Hanger Clinic in Dechapelles this last April. We had a great team of...
"Baby B" Inspires Patients and Healthcare Pros in Haiti
Written by: Sue Klappa, PT, PhD
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
I have just returned for my second tour of service with Physicians for Peace here at the Hanger Clinic in Dechapelles...
Virginia Beach Volunteer Shares Stories from Haiti
Written by: PFP Staff
From PFP Headquarters in Norfolk, VA
In February, Virginia Beach, Va., native Jake...
A Typical Day: A Volunteer PT in Haiti
Written by: Sara Hammett
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
My day starts around 6 a.m., when the water comes...
From Haiti to Home (by way of New York)
Written by: Angela Gemmell
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Last update from the Haiti trip! Arrived home...
Walking Free Program in Action in Bicol
Written by: Laura Gwathmey, PFP staff
From the field: Bicol province, the Philippines (Multi-Specialty Mission)
...
Working Togehter to Help Others 'Walk Free'
I recently had the honor of participating in the Hanger Education Fair, an event that brought together Hanger Orthopedic Group technicians, management and vendors to learn and share information....
Art, Music and Dance
Written by: Sara Hammett
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
There is an art and...
Day in the Life of a PFP Volunteer in Haiti
Written by: Angela Gemmell
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Another beautiful, sunny day in Deschapelles! Had...
Resilient and Spirited People
Written by: Angela Gemmell
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
So that's one week gone and one to go!
Overall it's been a really good week. I have enjoyed working with...
Volunteer Physical Therapists Needed in Haiti
Physicians for Peace is currently seeking qualified physical therapists to volunteer at the Hanger Clinic at Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, Haiti. The following mission dates are...
'Amazing Joy' in Haiti
Written by: Angela Gemmell
From the field: Deschapelles, Haiti
Had a lovely evening last night and learned more...
One Year after the Earthquake
Written by: Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.), President and CEO of Physicians for Peace
Today marks the first anniversary of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. The...
On the Ground in Haiti
Written by: Physicians for Peace staff
Eight months after his first volunteer rotation in Haiti, Tom Meenzhuber, a physical therapist from Santa Maria, Calif., is back in Deschapelles...
A Bright Light in Haiti
Written by: Susan Klappa, Ph.D.
From October 13 through November 2, 2010, I was able to travel to Hospital Albert Schweitzer and the Hanger...
Despite the cholera outbreak, our volunteers are lined up and ready to go back to Haiti in January.
Written by Fr. Rick Frechette, a doctor and monk; founder of Tabarre Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince.
...Haiti Day Four: Therapists and Prosthetists Work Together
This morning after the morning meeting we toured the area where the amputees spend their nights. They were doing well and glad to have visitors. Again the heat continues. Our PT Luke Laczak, who...
A Haiti Relief Trip
From the Field: Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Walking Free
Sent in by: Mary K, Physicians for Peace staff
Day 1: Warm Welcome by...
Haiti Day Three: Donated Beds 'Revolutionize' HAS
We are up for breakfast at 6 a.m. As it is the most important meal of the day, we are treated to fruits, pancakes and coffee. It doesn’t feel like Haiti, with the exception of the extreme heat and...
Donated Supplies Put to Immediate Use
Hours after a container of orthopedic implants and instruments arrived in Manila, Physicians for Peace-Philippines...
Team Member Bound for Haiti
Mary Kwasniewski, our senior director of Global Health Programs, leaves for Haiti on Oct. 16. While there, Kwasniewski will spend time at...
Amputees Raise Awareness at Manila Run-Walk
About 175,000 people gathered in Manila for the Run for the Pasig River on Oct. 10, including members of the ...
Kharisma's Dreams Survived the Loss of Her Leg
Kharisma Solomon is a bright, beautiful 23-year-old from Bataan province in the Philippines. She has a winning smile, an engaging manner. Her family doesn’t have much money, but Kharisma showed...
A Beautiful World from an Amputee's Perspective
From the Field - Manila, Philippines
Sent in by Kelly A.
On my 24 hour plus travel from Manila to Norfolk VA, I have the luxury of time. I hit the random...
From the Field - Manila, Philippines
Day 2
On our second morning, Kelly, Penny Bundoc and Physicians for Peace Philippines Board Chair Dr. Ted Herbosa were tapped to be part of a press...
Mission to Manila, Philippines
Message from Monika Bridgforth - Physicians for Peace Staff in the Field
July 13, 2010
Well it's 4:30 am and I've been wide awake all night. I've...
So Much Joy and Hope in Spite of Terrible Tragedy
Stories from the Field - Deschapelles, Haiti
Sent by Robin Lam, PT
"I had a wonderful...
Typhoon Conson Hits Manila, Philippines - Team Safe and Sound
News Flash
Contrary to predictions, Manila got hit dead on. Lots of flooding and missing fishermen. Typhoon Conson slammed ashore with winds of 75...
Mobility Device Collection Helps Patients Get Back on their Feet
BWH nurses and Patient Care Services staff held a mobility device drive in May to help the people of Haiti and others in need around the world get back on their feet. Together, the staff assembled...
Inspired by the Resilience of Each Patient
Stories from the Field - Deschapelles, Haiti
Sent by Karen Helfrich, PT
"I am a physical therapist assistant and...
My Last Night in Haiti
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Just ready for bed on my last...
The Husband - Wife Tag Team to Haiti
We've been mesmerized and brimming with tears listening to Mary Kramer Urner share her volunteer stories of Haiti. At our recent Board of Trustees event, she captured the hearts of Physicians for...
My First Week Passed By
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
My second Monday here; a busy day...
A Day of Recuperation
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Walter took us to Verrette Falls yesterday, which was grueling and fun. We did go to...
Tough Love
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Worked at the clinic until around...
The Days Start Blurring Together
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Another full day in...
Hope in the midst of Chaos
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
So much going on....
Diving In
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
I’m now up to my armpits in the...
In Haiti
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
I am here! The flight...
Change is the Only Constant on a Mission
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Strange sleep cycle change. I went to...
Still in Miami
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Instead of...
Miami
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
The red-eye delivered...
Almost There
From the Field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner
Almost all packed—so much thanks to...
An artistic expression of love and compassion for Haiti
Message from Dylan, Coordinator
“A Step Forward for Haiti” Event
I had my Haiti event and it was...
Preparing to Go
From the field: Haiti - Walking Free Program
Sent in by: Dave Kramer-Urner, PT
Got to start...
At the heart of this experience, it was awesome and very inspiring.
Tom Meenzhuber is a Physical Therapist from Arroyo Grande, CA who specializes in Orthopedics. The following is his account of his first mission with Physicians for Peace a few months after the...
Unique in Antique - Walking Free Success in the Philippines
Success in the Philippines Walking Free program is marked by two recent events. We are proud to announce the recent selection of Dr. Josephine Bundoc, co-director of the Physicians for Peace –...
Another Physicians for Peace Physical Therapist Sent to Deschapelles, Haiti
“After all the devastation and personal struggles, I was amazed at how grateful and motivated they were. And they were very strong, both physically and mentally.”...
A Story of Hope, Love, and Perseverance
Amputee Physical Therapist Packed Her Bags and Flew to Haiti without Hesitation
Mary Anne - Physical Therapist
...
Richmond, VA: Haiti Benefit and Art Show
Thank you all for making Friday night a wonderful event. We greatly appreciate all of the time and energy that was put into the materials, photos, display, etc. We’ve heard great...
Thousands Amputated – Many Find Hope in Walking Again
Kenda is a friendly and talkative 17-year-old Haitian girl with big brown eyes and a beautiful smile. Just a couple months ago, she was one of many bright young students in Port-au-Prince whose...
A Community Coming Together for Haiti
Crutches and Canes for Haiti a great Success!
by Shawn Carolan-Abell
Thanks to this wonderful community and to...
Why Many Amputees Have to Endure a Second Surgery
Numerous amputation surgeries that were performed immediately after the earthquake in Haiti were done in tent hospitals under candlelight in order to save lives. It’s understandable that...
Wearing Jeans for Haiti
Goodman & Company's Norfolk office started a Physicians for Peace movement in response to the recent Haiti earthquake.
Last week, we received a phone call from Goodman &...
Willoughby Elementary Students Raise $394 in Unique Fundraiser
Almost every day we hear stories of various fundraisers, collection drives, and mobilization of people in support of Haiti. One of our most unusual fundraisers was right here in our home town area...
Occupational/physical therapists craned their necks to participate!
Josephine Bundoc tells us in her report the excitement and overflowing participation on the second Prosthetics and Orthotics Convention in the Philippines.
...
Physicians for Peace Donates over $53,000 Towards Rebuilding Haiti
Shortly after the earthquake ripped open the heart of Haiti, Physicians for Peace responded with a fundraising drive to support its two partners in Haiti, both of which were reduced to rubble....
Hope for Haiti’s Disabled
I wanted to let you know what your Physicians for Peace has been doing since the earthquake that has so devastated Haiti.
When the earthquake struck, we acted quickly. Fully...
Collection Drive for Haiti's Injured and Disabled
Physicians for Peace, which has been providing amputee rehabilitation services in Haiti since 2005, is sponsoring a drive to collect prosthetics, wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches for...
Mind Over Matter: Bringing Relief to Typhoon Survivors in Philippines Walking Free Program
Both medical workers and patients have shown tremendous courage in dealing with the devastation caused by recent typhoons in the Philippines. Dr. Josephine Bundoc reports on the conditions there,...
More from Ken Hudson in the Philippines
Today Dr. Penny Bundoc, John Knight, Mr. Henry Knight, and I travelled to Clark Air Base to visit the “Walking Free” Pampanga Project.
Upon arrival we were met by Mr. Pepito D....
John Knight Reports from the Philippines
John Knight, M.P.H., a long time Physicians for Peace volunteer and recipient of our 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award for Mission Support, is currently traveling in the Philippines with Ken Hudson...
Ken Hudson Reports from the Philippines
Ken Hudson, our Gifts in Kind manager, is currently in the Philippines helping out with our on-going programs there, which include Walking Free and Seeing Clearly. His first observations on the...
Philippines Walking Free Technicians Receive Scholarship
Dr. Josephine Budoc of Walking Free Philippines gives this report on the accomplishments of two of our prosthetic and orthotic technicians:
"The...
Limb Drive Rained Out - Donations Still Collected
Although the weather did not cooperate with our efforts to collect recycled prosthetics at Harbor Park in Norfolk on Sunday, donations still came in, and publicity from the event was valuable in...
Limb Drive - Harbour Park, Norfolk VA, May 17th
Recycling prosthetics helps amputees in developing countries get the care they need. The Walking Free program has partnered with Hangar Prosthetics and Orthotics, At Home Care, Nauticus, and Old...
Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics Partners with Walking Free
Recognizing the need for recycled prosthetics throughout the world, Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics has recently donated over a dozen prosthetic limbs to the Physicians for Peace Walking Free...
Clark Prosthesis Center Opens in Philippines
Report from Josephine Buondoc, Physicians for Peace Walking Free Program, Philippines:
"On February 15, the 1st satellite Physicians for Peace prosthetic center was inaugurated at the...
