ROSE

Rose, a shy sweet 14-year-old girl, had a very painful tumor the size of a grapefruit growing on her face. Her mother was desperate to save her life and had taken Rose to all of the major hospitals in Haiti only to hear that same news again and again, that the surgery was not possible and there was nothing they could do. Rose’s mother heard of the miracles that happened at For You Haiti and in a final effort, she brought her to the tiny one-room clinic and begged for help. 

Although For You Haiti did not know how they could help this sweet girl, they sprung to action and said they would help. For You Haiti pulled from every last one of their connections with doctors and hospitals asking for help but they received the same answer, again and again, “no, there’s nothing we can do.” As the months went on hope began to shrink and the tumor grew. Rose became very ill and her mother was afraid for her life. Rose and her mother wanted to keep fighting but it seemed like all hope was lost. For You Haiti never gave up and kept fighting. 

For You Haiti board member, Mark Clewett, reached out to specialist Dr. Curry at the head and neck surgery department at Thomas Jefferson University in the United States. Dr. Curry connected For You Haiti with an amazing ENT surgeon named Dr. Jean Gilles. Rose was seen by Dr. Gilles and for the first time, a doctor said, “yes, I will help you!” Rose’s hope was restored.

Rose and her mother took many trips back and forth from the small island of La Gonave to Port au Prince for tests, scans, and biopsies until finally the surgery was scheduled. Rose and her mother understood this surgery was difficult and risky. For You Haiti stood by her mother while Rose was in surgery and prayed for a great outcome but no one could have envisioned the miracle she was about to receive. Not only was the surgery a success, removing the tumor entirely, but Dr. Gilles was miraculously able to leave no visible scar on Rose’s face. Dr. Gilles then recommended Rose to an orthodontist who made a beautiful and natural-looking prosthesis for her. 

Today Rose is a beautiful and healthy 16-year-old girl who is enjoying school again. She recently had a final check-up with Dr. Gilles and no tumor was detected on the scans. Rose and her mother went from being told there was no possible way to save Rose to a miraculous full recovery. 

Life-changing surgeries like the one Rose received are out of reach for most Haitians. Every day hundreds of Haitian children go without the necessary medical attention due to lack of services available and because they are unable to afford the cost of care. For you Haiti was grateful that they were able to step in and help Rose before it was too late. For You Haiti has witnessed many medical miracles like this one and it is all made possible by donations and assistance from our compassionate and caring donors.

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