Hope Restored, A Helpful Hero, and Education for ALL! – October 2024 Stories From the Field

A Spring in His Step: Dave Lourent’s Journey  

Dave Lourent was born on September 3, 2020, in Pointe-à-Raquette, La Gonave, in an area called Lotore. He’s now four years old and lives with his father, Davidson, and his mother, Naomi. Dave’s mother gave birth to him at home, assisted by a local woman who helps deliver babies.

At age three, Dave started kindergarten and is now preparing to enter the second section of kindergarten at Sainte Barnabas School in Lotore. He loves skipping to school and playing with friends each day.  

In 2022, For You Haiti met Dave and helped him undergo a successful foot operation at Diquini Adventist Hospital in Port-au-Prince. His family expressed deep gratitude, saying they couldn’t have afforded the surgery alone. For You Haiti and our partner organization, Childspring International, covered all the costs, making this life-changing operation possible.  

Dave is an adorable boy with a wonderful personality, and his bright smile always brings joy to our clinic staff!  

Our Visiting Doctor: Dr. Sonel Pierre  

Dr. Sonel Pierre, born on July 20, 1990, in Anse-à-Galets, La Gonave, is the fourth of eight siblings. He completed his primary education in Palma and went on to secondary studies at Wesleyan Lagonova College. Driven by his dream to become a doctor, he moved to Saint Domingue to study at the University of Technology of Santiago (UTECA). Since 2019, he’s been working as a generalist at Lagonave Wesleyan Hospital. Dr. Sonel is married and has two children.

On July 26, 2024, he joined For You Haiti as a physician during the absence of Dr. Berly, our pediatrician. Dr. Sonel shared that working with FYH has been incredibly fulfilling, as it allows him to provide vital care to children and others in critical situations, many of whom lack resources for medical care. He emphasizes our team’s commitment to treating everyone equally and with compassion.

One of his most impactful experiences has been with Dawens Bilus, a child with a large mass on his neck. Despite his condition, Bilus remains joyful, which serves as a powerful motivation for Dr. Sonel. He is grateful for the chance to work with For You Haiti and deeply appreciates the warmth and respect he’s received from the team.  

For You Haiti: A Place for Everyone

Fremond Louidenaice, born on November 19, 2014, in La Gonave, is about to turn ten years old. Due to his seizure disorder, he had to leave school, which was difficult for his family. When his mother heard about For You Haiti’s special needs classroom program for children like Fremond, she reached out, and we welcomed him with open arms.  

Since joining, Fremond has received medication and specialized care, leading to significant improvements in his condition. His mother reports remarkable progress in his language skills and social interactions with other children. The staff at For You Haiti provide Fremond with the love and support that any parent would hope for.  

Fremond’s mother expressed heartfelt gratitude to For You Haiti for the support given to her son and prays for continued blessings on the organization to help even more children in need.