Dear Friends
I have been home with my dying mother, as a son and as a doctor and as a priest. Daily mass, managing her pain medicines, helping in any way I can. I was determined to stay with her to the end, especially since my whole adult life I have been far from home in the foreign missions.
I have to tell you, every day at mass, when I ask mom if she has any special intentions, she says, “for you, for God to keep you strong, and for your mission in Haiti.”
Now we have this huge sadness in Haiti. I told her I have to leave for a while. She said to me, “you have to go. The problems there are worse than mine.”
Tonight I will drive to Kennedy Airport in New York with Conan Conaboy. We cannot fly to Haiti tomorrow, so we will fly to Santo Domingo. Kieran and Vern Conaway will meet us there, and Robin from Chicago. We will drive to Haiti together to see how we can help.
I know there is extensive damage at our new hospital, that the perimeter walls of all three of our Tabarre programs have fallen. I know there is damage to the hospital walls.
I also know there is severe damage at the old hospital in Petionville.
Lets pray everyone is alright.
I have heard that everyone at the orphanage in Kenscoff is OK.
I will not arrive until Thursday morning, since the border between Domican Republic and Haiti will be closed when we arrive tomorrow. We will find the best way to keep you informed and let you know how you can help.
Let’s stay bound together in friendship and prayer.
God bless us all. especially the suffering people of Haiti, and my dear mother, Gerri Frechette.
Fr Rick Frechette
saintdamienhospital.nph.org 
Dear Fr. Frechette,
I am so very, very sorry to hear of the devastating earthquake in Haiti today. I met you at Carolyn and Alex Daniels home in Los Angeles and took photos of you and the children.
I am anxious to hear any news about Roberto Castel, Jean Tony Osme, Magdaline St. Jour, Edeline Prima and Robin Schwartz.
We here in Los Angeles are so incredibly impressed by you and your efforts in Haiti spanning so many years; the incredible amount of work you have dedicated yourself to and the many lives you have improved.
You have an incredibly difficult mission ahead of you now as you return. Sending lots of prayers your way and to the people of Haiti. Please send updates and these posts when you can.
And PLEASE let us know how best to help.
Doria Anselmo
doria3@gmail.com
I am looking for information on Erin Kloos and her brother Ryan thank you for caring.
Hi Fr Rick,
Have been watching the news and I cant believe Haiti has been hit by yet another tragedy. Its nearly 15 years since I was there working there in the hospital but I still think about it almost every day. I see from the website that the Orphanage is ok but there is damage everywhere else – the pictures on the news are terrible.
Its awful being so far away and helpless – I’ll get my kids to put you all in our prayers tonight.
Bernie
I am praying for all the childern and people !! I hope your hospitals can be saved!
We heard about the hospital by Maria Vittoria Rava at the Italian news. Let us know as soon as you can.
Anna
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother, Gerri, as you return to Haiti.
I pray the Holy spirit that the great need of the Haitian people after this catastrophe will evoke a world-wide response, to assist them in their hours of need.
Maybe out of this tragedy a glimmer of hope will materialise, to better the lot of all the people
God bless all Haitians, and give them courage to embrace this trial
God bless
Please keep us updated. And let us know if non-medical volunteers are needed, there are many of us standing by.
Dear Father Frechette,
I met you on a flight long ago, but remembered you all these years because of your great passion for the people of Haiti. I’ve been once just to the airport, and then back to somewhere don’t recall..however, this is a message to you to say I hope (and pray) you escaped the earthquake.and all is well with you.
Colleen Brenner, (flight Attendant,retired, DFW airport)
On behalf of myself, my company (Fuzion Athlete Management) and my athletes (WNBA, NFL, NBA), we would like to send a few things to you all.. Who do I contact, and about how many children do you have?
My wife is a well qualified Infectious Disease
physician with third-world relief experience and is’
available starting at once to volunteer in Haiti.
Please advise.
God bless Haiti.
Father Rick – You and your families – both here in the States and in Haiti are in my prayers. What a brave and selfless woman your mother is – and those traits certainly are continuing in you. Like your mother, I pray for continued strength for you – the problems in Haiti seem so difficult and endless, before the earthquake. The good news, from what I’m seeing in the news, is that much of the world is responding and wanting to help. Again you all are in my heart and prayers – Carol Reilly
Father and everyone at NPFS,
We are continuing to pray for you all! Nou pa janm ka bliye-w! Nou renmen nou e nou preye Bon Dieu ap ede-w e bay-w plis force!
You are not alone. We and the rest of the world are in solidarity and prayer for you, your families, your friends, your relatives and the entire Country!! Ayiti pral mache anko!
We love you all – keep working hard – we believe in you!
Elizabeth and Edwil Fleury
How can we bring these children here to the US for help? I have plenty of room in my home and plenty of love to give to children who have lost their parents. How can I do this? Is there a program for placing these children in safe homes?
What is best way to help???
Barbara Mckay
Louisville, Kentucky
Mother of 4 grown children
Small business owner
Empty house
Safe travels Father Rick.
Our family will lift you up in prayers.
God Bless,
StacyLynn
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So many of us back here in the states wish there were something more we could do in addition to making a donation. If there is any other way we can help, please let us know. In the meantime, you remain in our thoughts, heart and prayers. God be with you!
Father Rick or who it may concern,
My name is David Carson. I am 35 years old and am single with two children of my own. I had a terrible accident a year ago and was banged up in the hospital for quite sometime. I know how important good care is!! I would like to offer my help in any way you need me. I can help manage the chaos ( managed ER ficilities in New Mexico for 4 years), I can hoof water to this who need, I can play and sing with my guitar to calm nerves, I am willing to do anything that you and the people of Haiti need. I believe God spoke to me this morning and told me to find you and offer my help. I saw your hospital on the news this morning and He spoke to me. I am ready to donate my time for as long as you can use me!! My father pastors a church in Lafayette, In in the United States. I have many things to offer from myself…. Due to my accident I had to sale my business and have been looking for somewhere to just donate my time for a year or so. I would like to give back my life in return for God sparing my life in the accident. I have been helping my father at his church since I have gotten better. Please contact me….. Please!! I really want to help!! My prayers are with you!!! God bless, David
Father Rick-
I saw a segment on Saint Damien Hospital on Good Morning America this morning. What is the best way to donate directly to your hospital?
The link from this site takes one to Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos International. I see you can select a country you want the donation to go to, but will that actually get directly to your hospital?
Bobby
My name is Paul Gruber and I am currently a graduate student specializing in anatomy at the Ohio State University. I am very interested in travelling down to Haiti, possibly early next week, in order to lend a helping hand. I will be attending medical school here in the United States in the fall and currently have a limited amount of medical training. Would your organization be willing to take on an extra volunteer down there? Please let me know ASAP so I can book a flight.
Dear Fr. Rick,
I saw you this morning on CNN and felt moved to go to my computer and see St. Damien Hospital for myself. What beautiful stories about beautiful people I have been reading. I was fortunate enough to go on an eight day mission trip with our parish here in Statesboro, Ga., to Jamaica two summers ago. I think I have a small sense of the utter chaos that Haiti is experiencing right now. If I did not have Christ in my life, I know that I would be feeling helpless and hopeless. Please know that I am ,as is the parish of St. Matthew in Statesboro, Ga., praying for you and your flock and all of the people in Haiti. I trust that our lovely Father will embrace us all with His love and hope. He will NOT abandoned us. I am also praying for your mother. As soon as I finish typing this, I will go and say the Rosary to our Blessed Mother for your mother. I pray that she is in no pain and feeling God’s peace. Thank you for all that you are doing to to uphold the kingdom of God. I know that He is pleased with your work. May He continue to Bless you abundantly and keep youm safe. I will continue to pray on your behalf. May God Bless you.
In God’s peace,
Carolyn Couch
Dear Father Rick,
I saw you today on Good Morning America and want to donate directly to your hospital. There are a few other people on the GMA website who want to do the same. Can you please pass on that information so our donations can go directly to you?
Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman with an amazing heart. I hope that God keeps her close and her days are peaceful. I will pray for her and the people of Haiti.
God bless you,
Lisa, RN
I am a member of Immaculateconception parish and have kept up with your work through the years. Father Tom knows my familly well and although this year has left us a littele down on monrey I was wondering if we could be host family in my home to children frail or otherwise during this disaster I feel it would keep the out of harms way and free every one up for more difficult tasks. I waould gladly accodate about 10 children and probably to get othe reliable families to do so too. Please respond we realy feel helpless in the face of such trajedy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Father. We, too, are overwhelmed. I am associated with riends of Haiti Medical Mission. We work in the areas of Thomazeau and Grand Boulage. Slowly we are learning the fate of our friends there. Travel safely and may God bless you.
Jackie Kucera
Father
we met you through your family at the barn….heard you speak at the monastry in wh. while we no longer have a horse at the barn, we have always kept your mom and dad in our prayers as well as you and your beautiful work in haiti. we will continue praying and will stay in touch with the families near you mom and dad to see what we can do to comfort them in your absence.
God bless you
madelyn and madelyn
Is there a physical address we can mail/send supplies to or children’s items?
Thanks,
Heather
Father Rick,
I am a surgeon who would like to come to help you. I spoke with Fr Joe Jones today (he used to be our pastor here in Greenville NC) Please contact me on how best I may serve..God Bless you,
Greg Murphy
My name is Julie and I am a mother of three boys in the US and I was watching 20/20 on Friday Night and wanted to find out more information about the little boy in the red shirt and the little girl in the pink shirt that was sitting next to him. Do they have a family to care for them or are they without parents or loved ones to watch out for them? My deepest prayers go out to everyone in Haiti. I am looking forward to hearing from anyone who knows these children. In writing this message I pray that God guides me to make the right decision and give me the fortitude to cling to it against all pressures and persuasions.
Thank You, Julie
Rey is looking for his cousin Marie Michell.He believes she works there.He has not heard from her sice the quake.If anyone knows anything please email him at : milliedoo123@yahoo.com,Thankyou & god bless
Robin:
Our daughter, Ann DeBord Smith, annsmith1@gmail.com, is trying to connect Sedrac, the Haitian translator who is bringing the first group from Dr. Paul Farmer’s “Partners in Health” from Harvard and Dartmought med centers and Sanjay Gupta with Fr. Rick.
They need a phone number of address so they can get to Father.
They have both medical people and supplies and could help Father.
Can you help by giving me a way to contact Fr. Rick or at least the address of the hospital?
God bless,
Mary Ellen DeBord – Peoria, IL, USA
309-692-5673
Am trying to get a contact for Sedrac, the Haitian translator who is bringing the “Partners in Health” (Dr. Paul Farmer’s group from Harvard and Dartmouth med centers) from DR to Port au Prince. They should be crossing over the border this morning.
Sedrac needs to contact Fr. Rick to see how to reach him.
Do you have a phone number or email address or can you give me the address?
Or email this info directly to our daughter, Ann DeBord Smith, who brought Sedrac and Partners in Health together. AnnSmith1@gmail.com
We were in Israel with Fr. Rick and his crew last January.
I can’t find the address of the hospital on the web.
Thank you.
Mary Ellen DeBord
a.debord@sbcglobal.net
I will pray for peace and comfort for your mother who has most unselfishly decided you should help the people of Haiti. I also wish and pray for the people in Haiti to have what they need and feel stable and peaceful. My heart pours out for them, you, and your mother.
Father Rick– I was a college student with Springfield College and Father Leo that visited the orphanage and was greatly moved by the wonderful work that you do there!! My family is interested in donating money and it seems as though all donations to the hospital and orphanage now come through NPH…is that true??
We want our money to go directly to you and your amazing efforts in Haiti! I am a physical therapist here in the US for orthopedic problems and heard that you are now a DO…congrats and if you need any help in the next year or so, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you again for doing God’s work and having you fighting to help all Haitians comforts me slightly in this grave scenario!! Thank you—Kelley Anderson Esposito
Father,
We are so very saddened with this recent devastation within Haiti. You immediately came to mind since you touched our hearts with your visit and homilies given at St. Ann’s Novena last summer, learning of your unselfish and generous efforts to help those so most in need. I responded with helping to purchase buriel coffins. Now I am compelled to help your efforts again. I saw you on GMA and CNN thankful to know you were fine and there to help them. I want to help again along with other members of my family. I know it is so badly needed. I am attempting to get our donations to you as soon as possible. Please know you are in our prayers and thougths. Thank you for doing God’s work.
God bless you and your people.
Together in God’s love,
Toni DiVizio
Dunmore, PA
I saw this on the Internet and did a Copy/Paste so many could hear from Fr. Rick.
UPDATE: FRIDAY – JANUARY 15, 2010
From Father Rick Frechette in Haiti
Hello Friends
After driving by night to Kennedy Airport January 12, and flying to Dominican Republic January 13, Conan and I arrived to Haiti this morning in the helicopter of the President of the Dominican Republic. This ride was due to the reputation of NPH in the Dominican Republic, an NPH Italy, a reputation enhanced in the DR by Andrea Bocelli not long ago.
Our first tasks were the medical evacuation of one of our American volunteers, the medical evacuation of one of our Cuban doctors, the evacuation of the body if one of our American visitors,
The search still continues in the ruble for another missing American volunteer.
We also had 18 funerals today.
One for John who works at our St Luke program. We miss John very much. He often stopped to at my door to tell me the milestone of his developing baby, which delighted him no end. John ran our computerized language lab. Another was for Johanne’s mother. Joanne is one of the directors of the St Luke program. All the others were of unknown people who were sadly rotting by the wayside.
Other sadnesses,
The death of Immacula, our only physician assistant, who worked at our huge outpatient side of our hospital. The death of ALL but one of Joseph Ferdinands brothers and sisters, the death of the husband of Jacqueline Gautier as he was visiting a school which fell and all the students (all died), the death of our ex-pequeno Wilfrid Altisme who was in his 5th year of seminary for priesthood. Other stories of deaths of people who are dear to us keep coming in.
We spent the rest of the time managing the countless people with serious and severe wounds, coming to our hospital. We are doing our best for them, under trees and in the parking lot with ever diminishing supplies. We will work throughout the night and beyond. No stores are open, no banks are open. Diesel is running out. Will be out in two days if we don’t find a solution, which will mean no power at all. The hospital is without water since there is some broken line between the well and the water tower.
Structural damages to the hospital seem superficial at first glance, but about half the outer perimeter walls have fallen. The old hospital in Petionville is in ruins, And teams of workers, led by Ferel, and been digging for Molly non stop around the clock.
WE HAVE NO INTERNET. OUR PHONES DO NOT WORK. IF A CALL DOES GET THROUGH WE CAN’T HEAR OR BE HEARD. Robin has internet access through a satellite. I asked her to send this message for me, and to ready my emails and answer them as best she can for now.
Please continue to pray for us. We pray for you too.
Fr Rick Frechette
——————————————————————————–
URGENT HELP NEEDED FOR HAITI AFTER 7.0 EARTHQUAKE – DONATE NOW PLEASE
if you need short term orgainizational help getting orphans to the US, I am an administrative professional and work for the chair of pediatrics at a CT/US hospital – years of experience and good in this kind of situation – let me kmow if I can be of help – Maureen
I am the Director of Implementations at Viztek. You had purchased a Kodak POC 140 CR system from our partner Alberto Mastrolonardo of International Med-X this past October.
In light of the recent tragic event, Viztek would like to offer a helping hand. If you have any radiology needs, please let us know.
Our thought and prayers go out to you.
Patrick Mulcahy
I would like to donate directly to the hospital. How can I do that?
Father Rick,
I wanted to find out how I can help a child, by fostering or adoption. We live in NYC, my husband is a firefighter of Haitian descent. We aren’t rich, nor poor. We work and have 3 children and a small house, but if God would allow me to help even one child not to have to suffer any more than they have, I will have truely been blessed. I know now that adoption paperwork is going to be quite the challenge, but if there is anyway for us to bring a child into our home (even if it were that their family is found and the child returned) I would like to know how I should go about finding the way to make it so.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you for all that you do, it’s sad that it takes SUCH tragedy for people to open their eyes.
God Bless your mom and those who are suffering in Haiti.
God Bless you for your work.
Maureen Duchatellier
Father Rick
my son wanted to raise $$ for your hospital rather than collect gifts on his birthday. We would like to make a donation directly to the hospital and the donate link does not specify the hospital. also i noticed on another site that St. Alphonsus in Boise is sending you aid through project Haiti. please email us back with the best way to get the $$ directly to you.
Also my sister and her husband are wanting to help out and would like to adopt a child from Haiti. They are both employeed and are home owners. they love children but can’t have any of their own. They are very flexible about a child’s age – mostly they just want to offer a child in need a home. if there is someone that they can make contact with to discuss this further, please advise as well.
our prayers are with you.
Shannon and family