STORIES FROM THE FIELD: August 2024

These stories are from our Medical Liaison Officer, Jerry Torbeck. 

From Struggles to Triumph: Rosedaica’s Journey to Running Free

Rosedaica Anexil was born on July 12th, 2012, in the small town of Ti Tanse on La Gonave, far from Anse-à-Galets. She faced a significant challenge from birth, suffering from bilateral clubfoot, which severely hindered her ability to walk and caused her constant pain.

When her grandmother brought her to our office in 2019, Rosedaica was notably small for her age and struggled with every step due to her condition. It was evident that her mobility issues were a major barrier in her life.

After meeting with Rosedaica and consulting with an orthopedic surgeon and our partner organization, Child Spring International, we were eager to address her medical needs promptly. She underwent several successful surgeries to correct her clubfoot, each contributing to her recovery and improved quality of life.

Today, Rosedaica can walk and run without pain, marking a profound transformation in her life. Her newfound freedom has allowed her to play with friends and embrace her education with enthusiasm. Recently, she achieved an impressive 8.5 average in school. Her journey from struggle to success is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievements!

Nerlande’s Journey from Darkness to Light

Nerlande Innocent was born on July 18th, 2010, at Wesleyan Hospital in Anse-à-Galets. Tragically, a few years later, it was discovered that Nerlande had a vision impairment caused by brain damage, leaving her unable to see.

When we first met Nerlande, her situation deeply touched our hearts. Determined to find a solution, our medical team explored all possible options. Unfortunately, an ophthalmologist confirmed that surgery would not improve her condition. This was a heartbreaking setback.

To provide Nerlande with the best possible education, we arranged for her to attend St. Vincent’s Center for the Blind in Port-au-Prince. However, after a year, she was returned to La Gonave due to behavioral issues stemming from her displacement.

Recognizing that the move away from her familiar surroundings was a significant factor, we decided to establish a special needs class on La Gonave, something previously unavailable on the island. Since joining our class, Nerlande has shown remarkable progress. She has begun to communicate effectively, behave well with her peers, and learn to recognize people’s voices.

Nerlande’s vibrant personality shines through, especially when she hears music or spends time with loved ones. Despite her blindness, she expresses love and joy through her interactions. We are deeply grateful to be part of her journey and to witness the positive impact we have made in her life.

Jean Fils Michel: From Mechanic to Guardian Angel—A Tale of Dedication and Compassion

Jean Fils Michel was born on November 11, 1981, in Mare Sucrin, La Gonave. After completing his schooling at CUG, Jean Fils embarked on a diverse career journey. He began as a mechanic, then transitioned to owning a fly boat that facilitated transport between Anse-à-Galets, Carries, and Leogane for several years. Following that, he served as a security guard at the Mayor’s office in Anse-a-Galets.

In 2017, Jean Fils joined For You Haiti as a night security guard at the Surgery House. His role, though demanding, is one he embraces with unwavering passion and dedication. The night shift is challenging, but Jean Fils’s commitment to patient safety shines through as he ensures patients are safely transported to the mainland for surgery, often making early morning trips to the ferry with them.

Beyond his professional duties, Jean Fils enjoys the beach and contributes to his brother’s restaurant on weekends. His hard work and caring nature make him a vital part of our team, and we are grateful for his dedication and kindness!