Sunday, June 20, 2010 

Trip off for now

Paula Mulqueen's trip to Haiti is put off for now. Haiti expects up to 4
inches of rain by tomorrow afternoon. With the threat of mudslides and
roads and bridges washing out FIH directors Lex and Renee are concerned that they may not be able to pick the group up in Port-au-Prince or travel to Les Cayes.

9:27 PM | |

Saturday, June 19, 2010 

Paula Mulqueen traveling to Haiti


Paula Mulqueen is hoping to leave Monday morning for Haiti. She will be bringing supplies needed to resume construction of our clinic and make it earthquake resistant. In addition she will be traveling with a Massachusetts family interested in building a clinic on our land in Fonde Fred. Only issue now is the likelihood of severe thunderstorms and the possibility of mudslides hitting Haiti as they arrive.

10:31 PM | |

 

Possible addition of an OR to the clinic


Forward in Health is looking into the possibility of adding an operating room to our clinic plans. After working at the Immaculate Conception Hospital in Les Cayes it has become clear that the need exists for our own operating room suite. Our surgeons and OR nurses worked 12-14 hour shifts and felt that many patients who needed surgery were left for another surgeon and another day.
In addition Forward in Health has been contacted by several orthopedic surgeons with a desire to work in Haiti. If we are able to complete this part of the project we would likely have rotating surgical teams, including orthopedics and OB/Gyn doctors, spend a week at a time every 1-2 months in Fonde Fred. The possibility is being looked into by our architect Paul Fallon.

9:51 PM | |

 

Jason's Trip Comes to an End

Jason Defuria has been forced to abandon his effort to bike across the United States to raise awareness and money for Forward in Health. Jason developed knee pain while biking. He rested for three days but the pain immediately returned when he attempted to resume his ride. We thank Jason and applaud his efforts. His final update can be found on his web site.

9:12 PM | |

Sunday, June 06, 2010 

End of Day 4 there was room at the inn

Jason Defuria finished day 4 of his bicycle ride across country as a guest of The Walpack Inn, Route 615, Wallpack Center, NJ. Wapack Inn general manager Russell Pagano spoke to Paul Demeo of the Gardner Lions Club, "Jason is here having dinner with us as we speak. I have him staying in our guest house this evening. He will be well fed and well rested. I'm sure he will enjoy the accommodation's." Thank you for supporting Jason and opening your inn to him.
Follow Jason on Twitter and on Jason's web site .

3:45 PM | |

 

Thanks to the Bicycle Depot

If you are ever in New Paltz, NYplease stop in at The Bicycle Depot . Jason was having problems with the gears on his bike. Lion Paul Demeo, who is in contact with Jason and working 4-5 hours each day providing support, located The Bicycle Depot. They fixed his bike and sent him off with some extra bike supplies for free! We are indebted to their generosity and kindness.
Jason is on his way to New Jersey.

11:14 AM | |

 

Jason Defuria's story on NECN

You are currently able to view Jason Defuria's send off from Gardner, Ma by clicking on:

Jason on NECN .

11:03 AM | |

Thursday, June 03, 2010 

Jason Defuria finishes second day

Jason Defuria has finished the second leg of his trip, 134 miles from home, and is in Amenia, N.Y.

8:50 PM | |

 

Dr. Mulqueen honored with selection as finalist

Gardner resident Andy Langlois nominated Forward in Health co-founder Dr. John Mulqueen for the People Magazine Major League Baseball All-stars Among Us contest. He is now one of three finalists for the Boston Red Sox. Dr. Mulqueen said, "This speaks to the work that the members and supporters of Forward in Health are doing in Haiti, not to one person's accomplishments."
If he receives enough votes John and a guest will be honored at the 2010 All-star game in Anaheim, Ca. July 13th. To vote go to http://mlb.mlb.com/peopleallstarsamongus/, click on the Red Sox logo, and vote daily.

8:35 PM | |

 


Jason Defuria, a 2006 graduate of Gardner High School and 2010 graduate of U. Mass Amherst, left June 2, 2010 on a cross country trek on his bicycle for Forward in Health. Jason was moved to do something after the January 12th earthquake. He has joined the Gardner Lions Club and his trip is supported by the Lions Club. His trip ends August 18th in San Francisco. Along the way he will receive food and shelter from fellow Lions Club members. He plans on raising $30,000 for the Lions Club goal of $75,000. His trip can be followed on Twitter and at Jasondefuria.com. Donations can be made by check to Lions Haiti Fund. P.O Box 483, Gardner, MA 01440 or through the Forward in Health web site. Send an e-mail note to FIH noting the donation is earmarked for Jason Defuria. Follow and support Jason!

7:45 PM | |