Making a Healthplan for Life for Haitian Children

Dear Friends,

This past month took a few twists and turns for Sustainable Healthcare for Haiti. Our main focus for the end of the year was fundraising. We held a few events and, of course, participated in the GlobalGiving's GivingTuesday Campaign.

One event in particular allowed us to meet many new friends, The Massachusetts Conference for Women. Attended by thousands, we had a booth that was stocked with Haitian art as well as children's toys for sale, donated to us by Crocodile Creek, a local toy distributer. This meant 100% of sales went directly to our bank account. Giving Tuesday was also a fun day as we heard from many supporters and friends from all around the world. We are grateful for all of your support and donations.

We are also extremely excited to report that we are planning for a milestone in our construction on the Sho-Ping Chin Clinic for Healthcare and Education in February 2018. Thanks to additional funds raised on GivingTuesday, we will be able to install a water filtration system that allows Fondation Montesinos to sell water to the surrounding community. Not only will there now be clean water for the children, the students who attend the school and their families, but also for the community. And, via this sustainable means, Fondation Montesinos will have a new source of income!

There will be much more in our next report on these endeavors.

Unfortunately, though, in the midst of GivingTuesday, we got reports from the hospital in Haiti where one of our girls, Crista, had gone for club foot surgery.

Crista, who is one of the orphans who lives at our partner's school and orphanage, Fondation Montesinos, recently turned 13 year old. During our August visit, and in consultation with specialists, it became clear she was nearing the end of the window of opportunity to have corrective surgery. It was also clear that she had become depressed, withdrawn and was suffering from other health problems as a result of how she was physically compensating for the club foot. The attached picture was taken after she met with the surgeon. I think it’s the first time I have seen her lift her head and make eye contact in 5 years. Our healthcare providers set up multiple prep meetings with both the hospital and the surgeon. And she had the surgery just before GivingTuesday. Sadly, on GivingTuesday we found out she had a severe post-op infection. Thanks to an incredible network of healthcare providers and friends, both in Haiti and around the world, she is getting the care she needs. However, she will need a prosthesis and months of physical therapy. We are therefore running a very small end-of-the-year campaign to raise $2,000 to make sure Crista continues to get the care she needs. Crista suffered a lot of pain but she tells us she understands her situation and is looking forward to walking soon.  Please consider an end of the year gift if possible.

Thank you and Happy Holidays to all.