CLIENT STORY Story #6 of 6 | Previous | Next Program: Solace Eduardo came from El Salvador to the United States one year ago seeking safety after suffering state-sponsored torture in El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala. During the past nine months, Solace staff has assisted him in gaining political asylum, providing psychotherapy and other critical services which led to his gainful employment. On September 11th Eduardo was on his way to work at the Windows on the World restaurant in Tower One of the World Trade Center. He was in the elevator approaching the 87th floor, when the terrorist plane struck the building. He recalls that the whole building shook. He, along with other people on the elevator, successfully opened the doors and began to flee down the stairs. He assisted an injured woman by carrying her down about sixty flights of stairs on his back. When he found an emergency assistance worker on about the 23rd floor, he handed her over to him. He now wonders if they survived. He also met another young injured man on his way down the stairs and tried to help him, but the young man told him to keep going. He does not think this young man survived. Eduardo reports that he is unable to get these images out of his head. He wonders why he survived and thousands of others have died. Since the attack, he has suffered from severe trauma reactions that have been intensified by his prior traumatic experiences. He is unable to sleep, is severely depressed, has frequent flashbacks, and feels very anxious and fearful. He reports that his life has been turned upside down and feels that the safe haven of the United States is no longer a reality for him. He feels his trauma from El Salvador has followed him to the United States and he is finding it difficult to get through each day. Solace continues to provide Eduardo with counseling. Previous | Next