The young women at Padua Academy have a variety of amusing talents, fascinating gifts, and inspiring stories. Padua 360 took the time to hear a few of their individual stories and share them with you.
Moira C. was recently granted the opportunity to go on a trip where she could permanently change people’s lives for the better; and, in the process, her life was changed as well.
Moira’s mom, a nurse at A.I. Hospital, is a frequent visitor to the people of Haiti. She volunteered with Project Medishare a few months before the devastating earthquake in 2010, and did not hesitate to go back a few week afterward. This past October, she went to Haiti for a third time, but this time she decided to bring Moira along! So, on October 31, 2011, Moira headed to Haiti with her mom, another nurse from the hospital named Sharon, and an A.I. neurosurgeon, Dr. Campbell. Their mission was to perform neurosurgeries on children with hydrocephalus, meaning “water of the brain.” Moira explained that hydrocephalus is “caused by a blockage between the third and fourth ventricles of the brain so the brain fluid can’t flow and it builds up. Their heads continue to grow and even their skulls expand and fuse to above average size. These kids suffer major developmental problems and usually die before the age of 5 years old.” These children were either orphaned or came from families which would never be able to afford the necessary neurosurgery to cure their condition. Without missions like Project Medishare, these children would never stand a chance to survive.
Haiti was what Moira described as “small, packed, and loud.” Whereas, from the plane, Haiti appeared beautiful and picturesque, in Haiti itself the poverty and destruction caused from the earthquake was evident. It was shocking to see entire populations of people living in tents and makeshift homes. As Moira put it, “You saw the destroyed cities and homes on the news, but it’s nothing compared to seeing it in person.” Despite such despairing circumstances, Moira was overwhelmed by the joy and optimism she found in the Haitian people. Whether it was a parent greeting their child after surgery or a patient finding reasons to smile, she was met with an abundance joy and gratitude. Thinking back on her trip, Moira said “Even with all the poverty and despair they live in and around they were some of the happiest people I’ve ever met.”
One encounter that has really stayed with Moira from her trip was when she met a baby with hydrocephalus who was abandoned by her parents while getting a checkup. The part that Moira found most touching about the story was when she saw the baby being handed off from a member of Project Medishare to a Haitian woman. The woman was from a nearby orphanage and had already signed the papers to take the baby with her in the hopes that she’d be adopted. Moira explained, “This story stuck with me because although the parents left her because it was a big responsibility to take on these medical issues that they would have to deal with, but I also saw how kind this woman was for taking the baby in so quickly and generously.” This was just one example of the constant compassion Moira observed, even from those who had little to give.
Given her plans to pursue nursing at York College of PA next year, this experience was invaluable to Moira. She was able to observe over 20 brain surgeries, and even scrubbed in on one. Describing the image of the neurosurgeon drilling into the children’s skulls, Moira said it was “absolutely ridiculous and just mind-blowing.” However, she also gained some perspective on the kinds of circumstances people in struggling countries must face. She noted that the hospital in Haiti was definitely not up to the sanitation standards that we expect in the United States. The operating rooms had cracks in the roof and flies buzzing around. Contact professional roofers to troubleshoot a leaking roof. It made Moira realize what a difference ismadein your life simply by where you are born.
This was truly a once in a lifetime experience, but Moira has every intention of seeking it again. She said, “I’ll definitely go back someday, whether it be in the near future or a few years down the road.” She hated the idea of leaving to come back to her life of comfort, while the people she encountered remained in poverty. This trip gave Moira a whole new perspective on the value of life and made her truly appreciate the life she was blessed with.