Darline's Prosthetic Arm's Fund

Hi everyone my name is Darline Bertil. The devastating earthquake that destroyed Haiti six year ago changed my life forever.  The day started with me waking up, greeting my love ones and preparing for work.  At the time, I was employed at the Montana hotel, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as a bartender.  It was a normal routine for myself and colleagues to be positioned at our post and setup for the following day of business.  Suddenly, around 4:50 P.M., we felt the ground shaking and everything around us started moving toward us.  Imagine the confusion of that day.  There was no time to even understand what was happening and within a few seconds, the building that I was working at collapsed on top of me and many others, and I was buried underneath the rubble with my coworkers for days. I don’t remember if I was breathing, if my body could move, my life passed before my eyes for many days and all I remember doing was preparing for my last breath.  After five days, I was rescued by a number of soldiers who were present at the time, and other people who were giving them directions.  In the area where I was located, I was the only one that got out badly injured, but alive.  Unfortunately, my coworker, who was 72 years old, and was working with me at our post, died two hours before they rescued me, according to his son who was present at the time.  During that entire time, my family members didn’t know anything regarding my conditions or what exactly; I endured because right after my rescue, I was transported to a US NAVY ship in the rad of Haiti for medical care.  My injuries required immediate attention even though I was rescued on time.  Due to a bad infection, I ended up amputated of both of my hands. I remembered not knowing how to feel being a young woman with no hands. How I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the same activities or feed my own self. I thought of all the difficulties but neglected to remember the most important thing, the ability to still be alive. After a few weeks, I was able to hear my mother’s voice and she was allowed to come see me. 

 After spending a month on the American hospital NAVY ship, I was discharged and then a few months later, I was referred to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City for therapy. I came to the United States in September 2010. This is where my journey begins; I have been living in the US for almost six years. The first year, I received my prosthetic arms with a year of rehabilitation therapy.  After my therapy sessions ended, I decided to stay in the US, and attend school, without any idea of how my tuition would be paid. I was unable to receive financial aid because I did not qualify for the program, but I was granted many scholarships to help me complete my first two years of college.  God has sent some wonderful people towards my way, who didn’t even know me personally, but believed in me enough that they invested in my education.  In the fall of 2011, I applied to Queensborough Community College with a concentration in Liberal Art and Sciences and a focus on Psychology. In May 2013, I graduated with an associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.  For the fall of 2014, I transferred to Hunter College, and in the spring of 2015, I received scholarships and was the recipient of the DREAM U.S. Scholarship.  At Hunter College, I am currently majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology.  After the spring of 2017, when I graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree, my goal is to apply to graduate school and major in social work. Ultimately, I would love to work with people with disabilities and implement programs for young immigrants who are disabled or become disabled and desire to pursue a college education.

          My goal for this go fund me is to get a new pair of prosthetic arms, that are more enhanced to fit my needs.  Having enhanced prosthetics will allow me to get around and be more independent and self-sufficient in my future career.  Right now, I depend on my mother’s help to get dress, or to comb my hair.  My mother is getting older and although her love is infinite, I know I’ll have to do these things for myself and a new prosthetics will help me be more self-reliant.          

I am already thankful for having the opportunities I have and would be very grateful for any support, donations, and aid you are willing to contribute.  It would mean the world to me and open many doors and opportunities.

Thank you and God bless you!!!