Help rebuild Jakmel

Through my recent tragic experience in Jakmel, Haiti I found a few angels that aided my journey.
Here are their stories and how to help.

Peace of Mind Hotel

My best friend, Flo McGarrell, died and I barely survived the January 12th earthquake. I had little money and no influence with local government. My government was non-existent. The man who helped me with my goal, returning my best friend's body to his parents, was Clark Jean Gilles. Clark is the owner of the Peace of Mind hotel. Even though Clark lost his hotel, which he put his life's savings into, he paid for all the excavation equipment and manual labor that was required to get Flo out. When we thought that Flo would have to be buried in Haiti, he offered to loan us the money to make it happen.

The first time I met Clark was the moment after I ran out of the building. This man aided me when my country had left me behind.

Please help me repay Clark's kindness by clicking on the donate button above.
There is no non-profit organization for him or myself. We just hope that others will show the kindness that he showed when it was needed.

Ciné Institute

Ciné Institue is the only film school in Haiti. After the earthquake these filmakers and artists hit the ground running to document the tragedy. By downloading images and videos to the website, this organization made the world aware of Jakmel. Jakmel did not receive any assistance until Saturday, 4 days after the earthquake. They have told a side of the Haitian story that no other news agency could provide. Many of my friends are students at the Institute. Click below to see the wonderful work they have done and to donate to Haitian artists.

Joy in Hope organization

On Tuesday, January 19th, I arrived at the airport with Flo's body. The Joy in Hope organization, an orphanage located in Jakmel, was running the airport. My friend, Zaka, and I had to wait 17 hours for a military transport. We camped on the edge of the strip and guarded Flo's body from the wildlife. At 4 A.M. Nick from Joy in Hope found a few paramedics that took over our guard so we could get some much needed sleep. I am amazed at the adaptability of this organization and its volunteers. My heart also broke when I saw 30 orphans at the embassy in Port au Prince. Their sad faces will stay with me for a long time.

Hands & Feet Project

During my many visits to the airport to gain information about transport to the US I met Mark and Drex from the Hands & Feet Project. They were always giving me encouraging words and hugs. I learned upon my return that my boss and mother have had correspondence with Mark. He was trying to organize alternate air transport so me and Flo could go home. The Hands & Feet Project project is an orphanage in Jacmel. Yet another loving NGO when I had little support in my mission from my government.

Kay Fanm

Magalie Marcelin was one of the founders of the femenist movement in Haiti. She is also the mother of my good friend Maile. Magalie died in Port au Prince in the earthquake. She was a lawyer and an actress who ran a house and organization for women in need. Please visit the website for Kay Fanm and see all the impressive work Magalie did. I am not sure donations can be received through this website. Please do not donate money through this website. I am waiting to receive information on how to donate to Kay Fanm and will update for those of you who wish to donate to the femenist cause in Haiti.

My Country

Many times on this page I have bitched about the support I received in Haiti from my government. There was no government representative in Jacmel. I had my friend Zaka and we had to find out on our own how to get the body of my best friend home to his parents. When I called the state-side Haiti Task Force, the only government official I could reach, I was told they could provide me with no information or options. When I returned I found that the support was given by the Vermont Senator Leahy and Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. My Senator Dick Durbin provided no help or support. Screw you Durbin! I have lost a lot of faith in my country and government but I rejoice in the few gems that are out there.

Thank you to my family and friends. With out you I would still be in Haiti, crying.

Sue Frame