Award-winning author and humanitarian Mitch Albom is home safe in Metro Detroit after a terrifying ordeal in Haiti.
“We had 60 seconds: get in, the door closes, and we’re up and out before hopefully anybody could see it or shoot at the helicopter,” said Albom.
Albom, his wife, and a group of volunteers had been visiting his orphanage in Haiti.
It was during this time that chaos broke out in Haiti. Gangs and rebels were taking over the streets and the airport.
“As it turned out the helicopter had to make an emergency landing at 3 a.m. We were in this isolated area some airstrip.”
For several days, Albom was seeking shelter and safety inside the orphanage. They had guards, food and gasoline, but supplies were scarce and the clock was ticking. Albom says.
“You shelter in place, you get supplies,” Albom said. “We were prepared to stay there for as long as needed.”
Representative Lisa McClain who saw our original report on Albom’s situation teamed up with Representative Corey Mills to get a helicopter to Haiti for Albom and his group.
While Albom may be safe now his heart is with those he left behind in Haiti.
“As we got out of Haitian airspace their was relief but I just keep thinking about those still there-those not lucky enough to leave,” Albom said.