While we haven’t been able to have students participate in the wheelchair distribution elective in the last two years, Whitney Davis, PT, DPT, PCS (c/o 2003) joined 18 other team members on a wheelchair distribution with Hope Haven West in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. This is her report, and hopefully students will be able to start again soon!
“The distribution provided over 300 children and adults with disabilities in Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido and was organized with the help of 10 local Rotary groups. Puerto Escondido is home to the 3rd best surfing beach in the world which provided a beautiful backdrop for the evenings and free time. The team was treated to delicious meals at lunch time and celebrations in the evenings by the Rotarians as well as the opportunity to explore local sights including Puerto Zicatela, Laguna Manialtepec, and a deep-sea fishing trip. The highlight of the distribution may have been the hotel pool where the team relaxed and cooled off after their hard work in the heat and humidity each day.
Most children and young adults are carried in by their parents, sometimes traveling for 3-4 hours just to get to the distribution. The goal is to improve seating and mobility, and it is exciting to assist them in being more independent, and when things slowed down at the end of the day they and their family were able to step in and help.
The days were long but rewarding, and we were treated to some gorgeous sunsets at dinner most nights. There were dogs running all over the city. Most looked very healthy and had collars, and they were living their best life walking and napping on the beach while hoping we would share some of our fish tacos with them. A few team members went deep sea fishing on Saturday. While there were big hopes for catching a Sailfish, we only caught one small Yellow Fin Tuna. But we were able to see a huge pod of dolphins, several sea turtles, and some Dorado skimming along the water.
Beyond Pacific 