Karen Chamberlain, one of Quest’s seasoned hippotherapy clinical specialists, traveled to the Dominican Republic in March to volunteer her services as a physical therapist to Haitian children recovering from the devastating earthquake. Over a 10 day period, Karen worked with a team of healthcare professionals from Children of the Nations who treated 10 injured children helicoptered to a Dominican Republic clinic for amputations, orthopedic surgeries, skin grafts, and other procedures.

Karen shares what this mission meant to her personally:

“I had many physical therapy successes while there – for example, improving hand function in two of the children, getting two others to walk for the first time, and working on stretching and strengthening to prepare for prosthetics. Despite their significant challenges, most often the children were very motivated and active participants in their care. The experience was awesome -- both joyful and heartbreaking. The stories of the children's injuries and losses are overwhelming. I felt privileged to serve in this way. I fell in love with the children immediately and felt that my work as a physical therapist was essential. There is so much more work to be done! I plan to return soon.”

One doctor on the ground in Haiti remarked in Today’s PT magazine that physical therapists will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of an entire nation for years to come. Karen, we are so proud of your critical and selfless assistance to the Haitian children-- BRAVO!