Meet 30 year old Mackenson, one of our many success stories.
He endured 48 hours of excruciating pain beginning on the afternoon of January 12, 2010. While studying to become an electrician, beneath his feet, his life changed dramatically within seconds due to an earthquake. In a classroom on the lowest level of a three-story building, the structure collapsed around him and his leg was crushed. Two long days later, he was rescued, and members of his family were among the rescuers. Unfortunately, the devastation was so vast that the only place to take Mackenson, despite his crushed leg, was home. It wasn’t until a week later that he found medical help. By this time his leg was infected and required amputation above the knee. Although a clinic in Port-au-Prince fashioned a prosthesis for him, his knee was locked. It didn’t function normally.
Over two years later, Mackenson learned of HAS’ prosthetics and orthotics clinic that was making free, custom-fit prosthetic legs. He came for the first time to HAS in August, 2012. His new prosthesis is designed to look natural and allows for mobility at the knee. Mackenson has since finished his electrician training and joined an amputee soccer team.
In fact, he is the co-captain of the soccer team called the Spiders. When asked why, he explained “If a spider loses a leg, it can still walk everywhere. We are the same; even though we lost a leg, we can still play soccer.”
Despite the pain and suffering he endured, Mackenson has love, appreciation and thanks to offer those around him. What he doesn’t realize is he’s given us more than we’ve ever given him. In Mackenson’s own words, “Thanks a lot for the support that you give not only to me but to all the handicapped people. We hope that the partnership continues as well as it has gone.” Then he added in English, “I love you.”
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