Louisville for Haiti

We Made It Home!!!!

2010-03-07T14:57:00.001-08:00

Today at about 1:30 pm, after flying for 2 1/2 long days, we landed at Bowman Field in Louisville, KY. I want to thank everyone for their support and donations. Without you this trip would not have been possible. We are happy to have made a difference in the lives of many Haitians in need. I will be posting more pictures and video of our mission trip to Haiti over the next few days.

Trying to come Home

2010-03-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well, we attempted to make our way home today but encountered bad weather as we were trying to cross the ocean to the Turks and Caicos. We had to turn around and return to the Dominican Republic. Tonight we are staying in Santiago...hope to leave at the crack of dawn...everyone keep their fingers crossed for Miami by sunset!!!!!!

Photos by Julie Platner, Photo Journalist (below)

2010-03-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

Julie Platner for the Wall Street Journal

Julie Platner for the Wall Street Journal

While staying in Port-au-Prince, Patrick and Tom met a group of photographers and journalists at a hotel where they stayed, one of which was Julie Platner (Photo Journalist) who took these pictures. You can also check this link to see more photos of her coverage in Haiti.

http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2010/01/22/photographer-julie-platner-documents-chaos-in-haiti-for-wsj/

2010-03-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

Please send donations for Haiti to:

Haitian Relief Fund

122 Fairfax Ave.

Louisville, KY 40207

Photos from Patrick

2010-03-02T16:16:00.001-08:00

Patrick and Tom are now in Santo Domingo, having the helicopter serviced before the long flight home. They are hoping to leave tomorrow, but might have to wait until Thursday because the helicopter mechanics are really busy right now. It sounds like they are ready to get home.

Not quite sure...?

2010-03-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Tom are sending emails and pictures whenever they can. They have been really busy and because of the unreliable internet connection, it is hard to get an exact description of every photo. I'm not exactly sure where this was taken...but it's interesting.

Rhonda

Note: At some points, this blog is used as a communication tool between Patrick and Rhonda and Tom. Pat, If you can log on...please tell us where this photo was taken! I hope you took your hand sanitizer. Love, your wife.

photos from Patrick

2010-03-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

A propane tank exploded during the earthquake, killing many people and destroying a number of automobiles. Here is one of cars from the wreckage in front of the newly replaced tank. (above)

The Big One!!!

2010-03-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Some more...

2010-02-28T11:41:00.001-08:00

Dr. Patrick Keesee, dentistry in the orphanage

2010-02-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Downtown Port Au Prince by Car

2010-02-28T05:12:00.000-08:00

Downtown Port-au-Prince

It is scary to drive in Haiti. There are no lanes and no rules.

Tom and I took a taxi to downtown Port-au-Prince where the destruction was the worst.

Buildings are completely destroyed with thousands of people still buried under the rubble.

Much of the work is being done by hand and I can't imagine how long it will take to fully repair this city.

Garbage is everywhere and people share the streets with pigs and goats.

Pepperdinkle supports the Haitian Relief Fund!

2010-02-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

PEPPERDINKLE is coming to

TOAST Restaurant

on Market St. (downtown Louisville)

Saturday, February 27

9:45 am - 11:45 pm

Everyone is invited to come and meet Pepperdinkle in person!

Pepperdinkle is raising funds for Haiti and has been working closely with

Tom Eifler and Dr. Patrick Keesee.

All of the proceeds will go directly to the Haitian Relief Fund.

Your support makes a huge difference!

Photos

2010-02-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Please send donations to:

2010-02-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

Haitian Relief Fund
122 Fairfax Ave.
Louisville, KY 40207

Pepperdinkles in Haiti!

2010-02-24T17:05:00.001-08:00

Mary Beck, founder of Pepperdinkle & Pals, donated Pepperdinkles to the children in Haiti. Patrick and Tom took as many of the little stuffed animals as they could fit into the helicopter. The Pepperdinkles, stuffed between dental equipment, food, tents, clothes and other necessities, made the long journey to Haiti and were able to bring smiles to the faces of many kids at the orphanage!

Dr. Keesee, his patient and "Bad Cat", one of Pepperdinkle's pals (above).

Patients in the orphanage.

2010-02-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some of Dr. Keesee's patients in the orphanage.

View from the helicopter.

2010-02-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

The helicopter and Tom Eifler (pilot)

2010-02-24T14:15:00.000-08:00

Tom Eifler's talents have proven to be invaluable in Haiti. Travel by car can be agonizingly slow due to poor road conditions and the mountainous terrain. He has been able to provide efficient transportation, in some cases turning a 12 hour car ride into a 1-2 hour helicopter flight. Tom has flown Edge Outreach representatives to Jacmel and Port-au-Prince, transported nurses to a clinic in Leogane and has been flying to Les Cayes to pick up supplies for Hope for Haiti.

Haiti earthquake damage.

2010-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Earthquakes in Haiti

2010-02-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

There was another earthquake in Haiti at about 1:30 this morning followed by tremors at around 2:00 am. Fear that the earthquake would compromise the integrity of the structure forced everyone to move their mattresses outdoors. People are continuing to sleep outside for now.

Here is the link for today's earthquake in Haiti:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tbal.php

Patrick and Tom have moved to a hotel to make room at the orphanage for Samaritan Air representatives. Part of the hotel where they are staying (above) has collapsed but they have been reassured by engineers that the the structure is safe. Many other US citizens are also staying there.

Make sure you check the older posts for more photos and video of Haiti.

Aftershocks in Haiti!

2010-02-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

Patrick has been trying to send new photos but has had trouble accessing a solid internet connection. He was able to send a text saying that there was another earthquake this morning at around 5:00 a.m. and that more houses collapsed. He wondered if the internet service might have been damaged and says that his cell reception is poor right now.

I found the documentation of the earthquake, if anyone is interested, from the USGS.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010taau.php

Hopefully things will be better tomorrow.

Patrick Keesee, Mark Hogg (photo)

2010-02-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

2010-02-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Tom spent the day working with Mark Hogg and Bowin Tichenor (photo above), from Edge Outreach. They have been busy, flying to the rural areas of Haiti for Edge Outreach and Hope for Haiti.

2010-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

Please send donations to:

Haitian Relief Fund
122 Fairfax Ave.
Louisville, KY 40207

I am updating the blog often, so check the older blogs to see other photos and video.

Haitian Orphans

2010-02-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Patrick is staying in the orphanage where he will be seeing more than 100 people in his "make shift" dental clinic. He said his first night at the orphanage was good, though both he and Tom Eifler did agree that the the same lizards were climbing on the walls where they were sleeping. They were, however, sleeping in totally different places. I guess the lizards are plentiful in Haiti!

The orphanage is a Christian orphanage in Haiti and Patrick said that he feels safe. He told me in a text that he is staying in an area with "really good people". He has a room where he is able to keep supplies locked up and the orphanage is gated and secure. Patrick started the morning at 6:00 a.m. and attended church at around 8:30 a.m. and Patrick and Tom Eifler were meeting with Mark Hogg and Bowin Tichenor from Edge Outreach this afternoon.

Patrick plans to begin seeing patients tomorrow. These are some photos (above) of some of the special needs patients he will be treating.

Streets of Haiti

2010-02-21T12:56:00.001-08:00

Patrick and the helicopter

2010-02-21T12:54:00.001-08:00

Patrick Keesee (above)

2010-02-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

Tom Eifler tending to the helicopter (above)

2010-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Shelter in Haiti.

2010-02-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

Photos of the devastation in Haiti.

2010-02-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the orphanage where Patrick is staying tonight. The kids are singing before bedtime.

2010-02-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here is some of the first video Patrick has sent from Haiti, of people being pushed in wheelchairs and tents where some are staying.

2010-02-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Well... we made it.....A beautiful flight over... the country side is most spectacular.... It is a shame this country is so poverty stricken. Flying over it one would think it could only be paradise.

We arrived in Port Au Prince around noon. The airport is difficult to maneuver and it took about 4 hours to find fuel for the helicopter, receive a temporary ID and find a ride to the Orphange where I will be treating the children's dental needs.

Tom is currently flying the director of Hope For Haiti around to survey some sights for relief. I am organizing my dental equipment for a full day of treatment tomorrow. There are a lot of special needs children here at the orphanage in wheel chairs that I will be treating. The director of the Orphanage is very excited because she claims there is such a need for dentistry here.

2010-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Pepperdinkle had fun today!

Thanks for supporting the

Haiti Relief Fund!

2010-02-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

It was a good day at Dooley's Bagels on Lime Kiln! Pepperdinkle showed up and the kids had a wonderful time learning about Pepperdinkle's message and all of Pepperdinkle's friends!

Thank you to all who were able to make it...you made a difference today...more than you know! We appreciate all of the support. We are lucky to call Louisville home...such a caring and supportive community! Thank you!!!!!!!

We appreciate these area businesses who are also contributing this weekend!

Bailen Jewelers, Blink Boutique, Celebrations, Palazzina Interiors, Parfumerie,

Rosie's Consignment Boutique and You're Sew Vain!

Posted by...

Rhonda, Piper and Skylar Keesee

2010-02-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Tom are about to leave Turks and Caicos, on their way into Haiti. It will probably take 1-2 hours to get there.

Tom Eifler has already been contacted to transport the director of the Island of Haiti -Hope for Haiti, Mike Stewart, to the Hope for Haiti teams already working there. He will picking Mike Stewart up at an Italian Military Base in Haiti. Tom will also be delivering supplies for the orphanage in Haiti that has offered Tom and Patrick a place to stay while there.

Patrick Keesee will be unpacking and setting up his dental supplies in the orphanage and will be offering his assistance in any way that he can.

Looks like a busy day ahead!

Don't forget to SHOP LOUISVILLE this weekend to help support the Haitian Relief Fund!

(The participating businesses are still listed below, in a previous post)

AMOST THERE!!!!!!

2010-02-19T15:49:00.001-08:00

After a very long day in the helicopter we arrived at Turks and Caicos Island... just 1 hour from Haiti. Unfortunately everytime we stopped today for fuel we were required to clear customs which delayed our flight considerably. The flight down was beautiful but I will have to say I'm beginning to feel a little like a sardine.

We are planning to leave early in the morning next stop being Port au Prince. Hope for Haiti has already contacted Tom Eifler to fly for them and we are currently carrying a box of medical supplies for an orphange that we were asked to carry to Haiti by Samaritan Air.

Tom is picking up the director of Edge Outreach in the Dominican Republic on Sunday to fly him to the villages where their teams are setting up water systems. I will be setting up the portable dental equipment in an Orphanage not far from Port au Prince.

Thanks again for everyone's support back home. Tomorrow should be interesting.

Anyone wishing to donate to our mission can do so through the address below.

Haitian Relief Fund

122 Fairfax Ave

Louisville, KY 40207

2010-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Please SHOP LOUISVILLE this weekend! Below is a list of Louisville businesses that have agreed to donate a percentage of their weekend sales to the Haitian Relief Fund!

Also, Pepperdinkle will be making an appearance tomorrow at Dooley's Bagels on Lime Kiln Ln. from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please come by to have breakfast or lunch with Pepperdinkle and Mary Beck, the founder of Pepperdinkle & Pals and to support relief efforts in Haiti!

Bailen Jewelers
3907 Chenoweth Square

Blink Boutique
3706 Lexington Rd.

Celebrations
3632 Brownsboro Rd.

Dooley's Bagels
2415 Lime Kiln Ln.

Palazzina Interiors
145 Chenoweth Ln.

Parfumerie
3931 Chenoweth Square

Pepperdinkle & Pals
http://www.pepperdinkle.com/
click on "country store" to order

Rosie's Consignment Boutique
143 Chenoweth Ln.

You're Sew Vain
2744 Frankfort Ave.

Also, we appreciate those who have already donated and the numerous anonymous donations:

Children's Special Care Dentistry
Highland Cleaners
Jack's Lounge and Equus
Louisville Executive Aviation
Rainbow Blossom
Stevens & Stevens Deli
Stan's Fish Sandwich Restaurant (donation to Edge Outreach)

Half Way There!!!!!

2010-02-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

We made it to Jupiter Florida for the night after seven hours of flying. After a meal and a good nights sleep... we plan to embark at the crack of dawn.... we will try to make Haiti by sunset if all goes well.

On Our Way!!!!!!

2010-02-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

We loaded the helicopter this morning as the sun was coming up.

Our launch attracted the attention of a number of news networks so you can probably view our departure on one of the local news channels.

After loading the helicopter with dental equipment, luggage, food, Pepperdinkle stuffed animals for the orphans and other necessary items.... there was barely enough room for Tom and myself. We did however manage to squeeze in.

I'm currently writing you from the helicopter somewhere over Georgia. Modern technology. Thanks sooooo much to everyone who helped get us here. Without your donations and support this expedition would not be possible.

Please make donations to:

Haitian Relief Fund

122 Fairfax Ave

Louisville, KY 40207

Tom's Cell 502-558-2323 Patrick's Cell 502-905-7533

Getting Closer!!!!!!!!

2010-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today Tom picked up the helicopter from Springfield, KY and transitioned it to Louisville at Bowman field.

I spent the day picking up more supplies for our trip.

My daughters picked up Pepperdinkles for the orphans in Haiti and they were sooooo excited to help. The back seat in the helicopter will be very full. Special thanks goes to Mary Beck (founder of Pepperdinkle and Pals Club) for her donation to the children of Haiti.

Mother Nature Wins Today!!!!!!

2010-02-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today we were going to transition the helicopter to Bowman Field in Louisville, KY and start packing her up for the long trek to Haiti. Unfortunately we woke to 6 inches of snow.

Perhaps a day or two set back but we did manage to drive to Springfield, KY (where the helicopter lives) and do some measuring for our supplies. Myself on the right, Mark Hogg (the founder of Edge Outreach) in the middle, and Tom Eifler on the left are standing in front of our transportation to Haiti. Tom and I will be flying the helicopter while Mark takes commercial to the Dominican Republic. We will meet him in the Dominican and transport him to the rest of the Edge Outreach team in Haiti.

Tom and I finished the day with a trip to Rainbow Blossom for some extremely healthy nourishment that they most generously donated to the cause!!!

Trying to Launch

2010-02-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well, It has been an uphill battle thus far but we are almost ready to go. Insurance was the largest hurdle but one company has finally stepped up to bat and insured the helicopter during its time in Haiti. A multitude of people have donated money and resources to make this trip possible. Tom Eifler and myself are set to launch one day this week, weather permitting, with two water purification systems for Edge Outreach and portable dental equipment to fill any dental needs while we are there. Stay tuned for more information and pictures as our trip progresses.

Anyone who wants to support us can send contributions to:

Haitian Relief Fund
122 Fairfax Ave
Louisville, KY 40207

This is a 501c3 non profit corporation and your gift is tax deductible.