Everybody knows that Samuel Dalembert hasn't had the most successful career in Philadelphia up to this point. The big man can look lost on the court at times, and sometimes forgets how to dribble and rebound properly. Recently, though, he's really started to turn things around, averaging 12.1 points and 12.9 rebounds during the month of January. That's right...big Sammy is averaging a double double for the month, and not a cheap one, either. He's had two 20 rebound games this month, but I don't think anything compares to what he managed to do yesterday.
I'm sure you've heard by now, but Dalembert was down in Haiti for the last two days, helping to raise awareness and funds for the country that is still recovering from their worst earthquake in recent history. With over 70,000 dead already, Dalembert, a native Haitian, was assisting in the relief effort. He was scheduled to return back to Philadelphia with more than enough time to get to the Sixers' game against the Portland Trailblazers last night, but after delays on the runway (when aren't there delays?), Dalembert managed to get off of his plane in Philadelphia just half an hour before tip off.
With his streak of 313 straight starts on the line, Dalembert took off sprinting through the airport, into a car, and to the Wachovia Center, where he managed to make it onto the court at 6:57, just minutes before the start of the game. He didn't do much in the first half, but finished the game with ten points and 15 rebounds in a losing effort. The Sixers may not have a good team this year, but I'm not going to take anything away from Dalembert. He's playing his heart out right now, and with the situation with his family in Haiti, it makes it even more impressive.
The story here isn't about the fact that Dalembert made it back to Philadelphia just in time to play a basketball game, though. The story is where he spent most of the last two days. Haiti is still in trouble, and if the 6.1 aftershock that hit yesterday is any indication, the shaking might not be over quite yet. There are still people buried in the remains of collapsed buildings that need to be rescued. There are people that have been rescued that need medical care that they haven't gotten yet. Then, there are the survivors that need food, water and at least temporary shelter. These are the things that Dalembert was trying to help with in his recent trip. I'm not saying we all need to go to Haiti and help, I know that I couldn't afford to go regardless. What I'm saying is that you should look at the example that Dalembert has set with this trip and his effort, both in Haiti and for his team in wanting to get back and play for them. The earthquake has set the poorest nation on this half of the earth back even further, and the recovery could take years. If you have a chance, just check out the links that I'm going to be posting at the bottom of the article. If you can donate anything, please do.
UNICEF
American Red Cross
Samuel Dalembert Foundation
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