Kitchener Physiotherapist Equipped for Challenges in Haiti

Kitchener, ON, April 9, 2010 - Shelley MacRae knows that saving lives in the wake of a major natural disaster is critical.

But the 32-year-old physiotherapist also believes that it is equally essential for survivors who have disabilities to have ongoing medical care that will give their lives meaning and purpose.

The Kitchener resident will use her clinical experience in neurological and spine disorders to serve cbm Canada, (formerly known as Christian Blind Mission) in Haiti over the next six months. More than 300,000 people have been injured from the January 12 earthquake.

MacRae was drawn to cbm by “its excellent international reputation for rehabilitation of persons with a disability.” She will be working alongside six other cbm international physiotherapists and cbm’s partner Handicap International.

“It’s a privilege to work with the Haitian community at a time when critical care needs are high. The potential has never been greater to implement rehabilitation services for persons living with disability,” she says.

Influenced by the upbringing of her parents, MacRae has developed a deep interest and respect for travel as well as exposure to diverse cultures both within Canada and abroad.

Shortly after obtaining her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, she observed firsthand the life-changing work of a non-governmental organization in Southeast Asia. This solidified her interest to pursue physiotherapy as a career and opened up the world of international rehabilitation.

When she completed her Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University, Kingston, MacRae entered a career focused on critical care and complex neurological disorders.

Before the earthquake in Haiti, people with disabilities comprised 10 percent of its population. Since the January quake, that number has grown significantly - it’s estimated that at least 300,000 people have disabilities, of which 4,000 people have had amputations from crush injuries.

MacRae was motivated to help the staggering surge of people left with traumatic brain and head injuries.

“The experience of working with individuals to enhance their mobility and quality of life is both a personal and professional privilege,” says MacRae.

She acknowledges that she was fortunate to be raised “in a stable and loving environment in Canada, with unlimited access to education.”

“Everyone has an inherent right to compassion and dignity. This is fundamental to my life and guides my interest in working with the people of Haiti,” she adds.

cbm has been working in Haiti since 1976, with development projects throughout the country, including five programs for those with disabilities in Port-au-Prince.

cbm and Handicap International are working together in Haiti as joint leaders of the Injury, Rehabilitation and Disability Working Group within the UN Health Cluster, in coordination with the Haitian Secretariat of State for People with Disabilities. This working group coordinates all activity in Haiti regarding the rehabilitation of injured persons, the fitting of orthopedic devices and prostheses, and the provision of assistance to people with disabilities.

A leading international Christian humanitarian organization, cbm works to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. For more informatio, please browse our website.

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Media contact:

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact:< br/> Sandy Hazell
cbm Canada
National Media Coordinator
1-800-567-2264, ext.246
416-302-3166 (cell)
shazell@cbmcanada.org