Breaking the "cycle" of poverty - one mile at a time.

In just a week and a half, Craig Blasingame and Sue Steven will go for a little spin – literally. On March 9, the pair will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, cycling across America – from coast to coast – all to support Haiti. Not only is their tour de 'Merica an incredible way to see the country, but they're using the ride as a platform to raise funds for Hope for Haiti Foundation. We caught up with them before they channel their inner Lance to learn more about their trip, their connection with HFHF and how they hope to use the bike ride to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Haitians.

How did you find out about Hope for Haiti Foundation and what has your involvement been with the organization?

Sue worked at the same company as Jean Elade Eloi (HFHF founder), and they became friends. Jean invited Sue to join him on a medical mission, and Sue’s husband Craig didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so he joined as well. We went on the trip in January 2007, and Craig made the first GPS survey of water sources near Zorange. After spending time in Haiti and seeing how little people had to eat, upon our return we were inspired to join Weight Watchers and be less gluttonous ourselves. We each lost 40 pounds and have kept it off.

So you decided you wanted to get more involved with HFHF. What gave you the idea to bike across America as a way to give back?

The goal to ride across America on our bikes was Sue’s dream. She had bicycled to work for 30 years and always wanted to do a longer trip. Our friends asked us if we were riding for a charity, and the idea to use it as a way to raise funds for Hope for Haiti Foundation came out of that. We selected HFHF because it is a charity whose mission is aligned with our own values: Christian-based, education-centered, self-supporting infrastructure and most importantly, efficient use of donated resources.

Tell us a little bit about your trip. What route are you going to take and how many days do you plan to be riding? What kind of support system do you have?

Our trip is approximately 3100 miles long from San Diego, California to San Augustine Florida. It will take 9 weeks, 44 days of riding, averaging 63 miles a day. We are in a group of 27 riders and 12 support staff. The staff set up our tents each night and cook for us, so we only have to concentrate on the ride. Given that the average age of the rider is 62 years old, that is enough!

What kind of preparation and training goes into a trip like this?

The main preparation for our trip is training to ride about six to eight hours a day. For us, we ride at least one hour a day on our bicycles to make it routine, take spin classes three days a week for our aerobic and muscle strengthening, and then take at least one or two long rides a week for developing stamina. We have been testing new equipment, gear, and clothing for a variety of weather too.

What are you most nervous about and what are you most excited about?

We are excited about being close to nature and seeing the sights of the southern U.S. along the way. We are most nervous about any injuries that might interfere with our ability to finish the mileage each day… and also lightning in the middle of Texas!

How much do you hope to raise for HFHF?

We have not set specific goals since we don’t want to limit our thinking. However we are excited about getting the message out to our own network and the people we meet along the way. Wouldn’t it be nice if people would give at least a penny a mile?

How can people support your trip and HFHF?

They can support the trip by following us on our website adventure and post encouraging comments. Our website already has some of our training rides and photos posted and will be updated weekly once the trip starts on March 9^th.

What would you say to someone who wants to help HFHF (or any other cause for that matter) but isn't sure what to do?

Don’t let your worries of not achieving your goal (like finishing the ride!) stand in the way of helping others. The need in Haiti is so great that whatever way you can help will be needed and appreciated.

3100 miles? Ain't no thing! Be sure to keep up with Craig and Sue's ride by checking in on their website here: http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view/?trip_id=291320! You can also support their ride and HFHF by donating online and mentioning the C2C bike trip in the comment section, or if you get inspired, plan an adventure of your own! Our biggest thanks to Craig and Sue for partnering with HFHF and we wish them the best.

Last Day - January Medical Trip

Today was our last day of clinic. We have seen many people we can help and a few that we cannot. We all find that incredible difficult to deal with, and we have to remember where we are and what can and cannot be done. Elade always says that "healthcare" and "Haiti" don't belong in the same sentence. The limited options available cannot be called healthcare. Yesterday, it was a young man that was incredibly ill and we were not sure what was wrong or which course to take. Today, it was an elderly gentleman who had a stroke and had been carried 2 1/2 hours by his family to the clinic. That is Haiti.

Nights have been interesting as we have been serenaded by a choir of barking dogs, braying donkeys and crowing roosters. As a result, I learned to say "shut up" in creole, but I forgot how by the time the choir started again. The snoring could not hold a candle to it.

Tomorrow we leave here to travel the bumpy ride to Gandou. Somehow I think bumpy is an understatement. We will see the beginnings of the new clinic there before traveling on to Bainet where we will spend the night. Saturday will be an incredibly long day as we travel from Bainet to Port au Prince before boarding the flights home.

We all look forward to seeing our families again and bid a fond farewell to Haiti.

- Susan

Zorange's First Endoscopy

Hi all HFHF friends,

Today started much the same, though we were all noticing it was already Wednesday. Time does fly by when you are involved and enjoying working with these wonderful people.

Duane's first patient of the day was a perfect endoscopy candidate, having difficulty swallowing with food sticking on the way down as well as upper abdominal pain. The patient agreed without any hesitation. His daughter was brought in and she also agreed. She looked about 8 months pregnant but very healthy and beautiful. Our patient had not eaten or drank before coming to the clinic this morning, so we immediately started getting ready. Karina and Shirley were called in to start getting the patient prepped. Karina started the IV and got the patient positioned on the table with Nasson explaining everything to him in a calm and professional manner. I got the equipment and scope ready and working. Gerry and John were excited for us as they had been asking all their patients "the questions" for GI symptoms, in fact they have one for us tomorrow. Duane and I were ready to go so Shirley started the propofol and down went the scope. The patient had an ulcer and a stricture which was balloon dilated.

Yea! Zoranges first endoscopy procedure performed successfully and safely by Duane with Shirley doing a great job of sedation with Karina's assist and with me assisting Duane. It was great team work! We hope to do many more. Starting a little primitive but will improve as time goes by.

Rita and young Sherly are assisting Deborah nonstop with ultrasounds on every pregnant mom, and Susan checks out every child that comes through.

Elade is everywhere and is always encouraging and positive. He translates, confirms, plays soccer, smiles, cares, and tells us to EAT!

After clinic young Sherly and Deborah did some more teaching, then 5 of the team headed for the river. They had a little excitement when they had some company, one who carried a rather large machete. But all was well and no harm done.

With only one more day of clinic we are all feeling our time here growing short. We are growing together in camaraderie and friendship.

Tonight watching the stars and moon in the beautiful sky thinking of family left at home but so grateful to be part of something that is changing such a tiny part of the world in such a momentous way. I'm thankful that we can pool our resources and talents, no matter how small we think they are, and pass on our blessings to the people of Haiti.

- Suzy

Reflections from Day 3 - Jan. Medical Trip

We are on day three of our trip.

It has been a time to make new friends and to reacquaint with old ones. It has been wonderful to renew my relationship with Myrlande and Lusca, two of the Haitian nurses. I am always humbled by their competence and dedication in their care for patients here. It is truly my honor to be able to help them in their mission to improve the health of their community.

Lusca, Magaly, and Pierrelyse - part of our Haitian medical team

We have seen so many pregnant women these past two days as word has spread that we have an ultrasound machine.....that works. Everyone has been so happy to see their baby swimming around, sometimes giving a little wave on the screen. Of course they all want to know the sex of the baby too, so we try for that as well. It has been a relief that only 2 of the pregnant women we have seen were unwell, yet discouraging in our limited ability to help them. It is, in a sense, the microcosm of what has been accomplished here and what still needs to be done.

Each afternoon we have had the opportunity to do some teaching with the Haitian nurses once the clinic work is done. Thus far, Duane, Suzy, and Karina spoke about GI issues, I spoke about abnormal cycling in women, and Susan spoke about breast feeding and childhood malnutrition. The conversation is always lively and the interchange is educational for all of us.

Most of us have finished every day with a walk down to the river for a bath. We are always accompanied by children who join the procession along the way. By the time we get to our bathing spot we have quite an audience for the spectacle of the "Blancs" soaping up. On our way up we all get tapped to carry the children's water canisters up the hill and spend a lovely walk laughing and joking with them along the way.

Z'orange is, as ever, a place of contemplation and reflection. My time here always helps me to regain perspective on my crazy life in New York. I always feel a renewed sense of purpose as I help, in my own small way, to make the lives of women here just a little bit better; I look forward to continuing in my participation in this wonderful project in the years to come.

All the best from Haiti.

-Deborah