Shining in His Many Roles as Doctor, Trusted Friend, Translator, Guide: Peter Lylord
July 8, 2013 by royzelman
I first met Peter just a few months ago on the March trip to Haiti.
He approached from afar, and Lila and Andrew ran to greet him with warm hugs. He wore his medical student ID, a VHP t-shirt, and a Vassar Greens waterbottle hung from his backpack. He waved to a passing friend on a motorcycle.
This unpretentious first impression belied his reputation as a skilled doctor, guide, and translator. His humility would have surprised me had I not heard beforehand about his gentle, compassionate nature.
VHP has known Peter for more than two years. Maybe “known” here is a bit of an understatement – he has been with us on several trips to Haiti. We’ve held each other’s hands through unfamiliar territory, cried, laughed, eaten together, shared life stories. He is often talked about fondly at VHP gatherings. Every email message from Peter, which is always overflowing with love, inspiration and passion, instantly brightens up our day and helps keeps us going. He has touched all of us in Chermaitre and in VHP in many ways, like how he has changed our lives even before we met him.
As David Bridgman Packer ’12, former Director of the Medical Initiative, recalls,
“I first met him when we were both working at the same hospital in Port-au-Prince. His medical school had collapsed in the earthquake, making him a student without a school. He taught me how to suture, and in turn I helped him study math.”
Of his dear friend, David has this to say:
“Peter has supported himself and his siblings through his secondary and medical education. He is one of the most inspiring people I have met. He is academically gifted and has a gentle wisdom that every patient hopes to find in their doctor. His goal now is to become a neurosurgeon (of which there are currently only four in Haiti), and he has always had his eye on using his education to better the health of all Haitians regardless of class.”
We were privileged enough to spend time with Peter again when he visited New York recently. Peter, you have been invaluable to Chermaitre, VHP, and all of us.
Without the patience, guidance, support and energy of Peter Lylord, MD, there would not be a clinic ready to care for thousands of people in the foothills of Chermaitre. It is an honor for us to have Peter guiding us. Mesi anpil…nou renmen ou, Pierre!
This is beautiful, Robyn and David! Was super lucky to be one of Dr Lylord’s ‘patients’ this year – we always know we’re in good hands when he’s around :).
Thanks so much Robyn and all the VHP members, hard workers.
It’s always the most significant thing for me, when it comes to help my Haitian brothers and sisters that are dire in need of help, Medically.
Life wouldn’t make any sense for me , if I never helped them! I strongly believe, being in VHP is the greatest opportunity that I have given in order to help the needy ones more and more in Haiti. From the bottom of heart, there is no efficient and sufficient words that i could acknowledge you all in VHP for all of those great works that you are doing in Haiti.
It’s true, I was born to be a Doctor to help my sick people.
I send a big truck loaded of thanks, love to all VHP members.
Mwen renmen nou anpil, Vassar Haiti Project.
Lila,
Thanks for including me in your email re: Haiti.
I live in NC, I am not able to be there . However I will be in Labade, Haiti on a cruise Dec. 1. I have taken several Royal Caribbean cruises but they must include Labade! The ship spends the day in port with plenty of time to shop in the artisans area. I have noticed that Cap Haitian is becoming popular for it’s artwork too. I purchase one painting each time I go.
You do so much for these people. I do admire you .
Sincerely,
Winnie