Dr. Berly’s Mission to the USA

Dr. Berly’s Trip to Texas, USA

Everything began on July 11, 2024, when I received a message from For You Haiti letting me know that our partner organization, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, would be sending me to Dallas. I was excited and eagerly looked forward to this new adventure.

The mission was to escort a group of patients to Dallas for heart surgery. Before our departure, we held a meeting with the patients to get to know one another and to discuss plans and travel guidelines. During the meeting, I noticed a patient sitting at the back of the room who seemed uncomfortable—he was short of breath and leaning forward, resting his hands on his knees for support. As a doctor, I immediately recognized his struggle and grew concerned.

When I asked him about his condition afterward, he reassured me: “Don’t worry, doctor. I’ve been like this for a long time. I’m on medication.” Despite his words, it was clear he was in distress, and I couldn’t shake my worry for him.

Our first flight was scheduled for August 17, 2024. We planned to meet at the airport three hours before departure. It was a group of six patients, with me as the team leader. None of us had ever visited the United States before, including myself—it was a journey into the unknown.

During check-in, one patient felt dizzy and couldn’t stand. We quickly secured a wheelchair, and the airport staff helped expedite the process. I thought to myself, The adventure has truly begun.

After a delayed flight and a long layover at Miami International Airport, we finally arrived in Dallas. Exhausted but relieved, I hoped to get some rest—until, an hour later, there was a knock at my door. One of the patients was trembling and in distress, fearing for his life. I calmed him, warmed him with a blanket, and monitored him closely until he stabilized. That first night, I lay awake, reflecting on the challenging month ahead.

The next day, Sunday, we attended church. Though some patients were shy or fatigued, two joined me. Meeting members of the congregation and the surgeon was uplifting. Afterward, we visited a museum downtown, marveling at artwork from around the world. We also had the opportunity to watch an American baseball game!

The week that followed was filled with hospital appointments. I assisted with interpretation, organized schedules, and supported the patients. Each evening, we held team meetings to review the next day’s plans, and we began to feel like a family.

The surgeries started in our second week. Each procedure came with its own challenges:

• The first patient underwent a six-hour surgery, which was thankfully successful.
• The second patient, the most unstable, faced a complication requiring emergency admission and a delayed surgery. Miraculously, his recovery was immediate—he could breathe freely for the first time in years.
• The third patient had an open-heart surgery, followed by a pacemaker implantation.
• The fourth patient’s surgery was a profound experience for me, as I was allowed to observe the operation—a moment I will never forget.
• The fifth patient’s case was postponed for another year, with a less invasive procedure performed instead.
• The sixth patient endured a complex seven-hour surgery, followed by a pacemaker implantation.

While there were some post-operative complications, the resilience of these patients was inspiring. By the end of our six weeks, all but one patient were discharged and ready to return home, their lives transformed.

On our final night, the surgeon invited us to his home for dinner. It was a beautiful moment to express our gratitude for his incredible work.

Reflecting on this trip, I realize it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Leading six patients who had never met before, and witnessing their courage and transformations, was profoundly moving. As I watched them at the airport, smiling and ready to reunite with their families, I thought to myself, We made it.

“This journey wasn’t just about medical procedures—it was about hope, resilience, and the power of coming together as a family.”