|
A trying year – a month in the
hospital after a near death freak accident and six
months of recovery, I went back to work in Sept 05.
Hurricane Katrina striking around the same time made me
wish I was closer – able to help.
When the opportunity came in
December to go to New Orleans and treat these people in
desperate need, I went. Faced with such a horrendous
reality, memories of frightful nights trying to stay
alive, and current days struggling with bureaucracy for
food and shelter, these folks were beat. Our treatments
provided them a bit of a respite; a respite from pain, a
respite from fighting and insomnia, a respite from the
reality of their plight. In some cases the effect was
dramatic. Upon learning of us and what an acupuncture
treatment could do, people flocked to us for treatment.
The locals call it NOLA- New
Orleans, Louisiana. When the Louisiana Medical Board
shut us out, early this year, declaring it no longer an
emergency situation, the people were outraged. After the
requisite pressure put on the powers that be, we were
allowed back in. FEMA no longer provided sponsorship,
but numerous private citizens and agencies stepped in to
provide room, board and new venues in which to treat.
The outpouring of appreciation has been tremendous.
Now, a full year post Katrina –
streets are still lined with the wreckage of what used
to be peoples homes. These vast neighborhoods are still
in limbo, their former residents still unsure of their
destiny, missing their neighbors who have left, or
grieving those that cannot return. This is a breeding
ground for PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and
with few resources left for treatment- treatment for
this trauma, and treatment for medical care they
otherwise need, there remains hurdle after hurdle to
leap.
Volunteers and donations are still
needed. To get more information on Acupuncturists
Without Borders or to participate in the Pledge Drive
please go to
www.acuwithoutborders.org . To contact Beth-Ellen
Fried about her experience go to
www.lapazmedicine.com or
Email Beth Ellen or call 310-863-1358. |
