In southern Haiti’s most remote, underresourced regions, getting access to high-quality medical care can be very difficult. Hope for Haiti’s referral program serves patients with urgent medical conditions, organizing medical transfers and ensuring they receive emergency care, especially when families cannot afford treatment. This program helps save dozens of lives every year.

One of these saved lives is Zamy Cassami, a 15-year-old girl, the sixth of nine children. She comes from a humble family in southern Haiti. Her parents, like many others in the region, survive by farming and doing small trade.

When Zamy became very sick, her parents took her to the general hospital. The doctors said she urgently needed a laparotomy, a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity to examine the organs and diagnose the issue. But because her family had no money, she could not get the operation. Left untreated, her condition quickly got worse. Her parents were desperate and didn’t know what to do until they heard about Hope for Haiti’s healthcare program and infirmary.

When Zamy arrived at Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne, she was in critical condition. Her mother’s face showed fear and exhaustion. She was ready to say goodbye to her daughter. But thanks to the referral program, Zamy was quickly sent to a partner hospital, where she had the emergency laparotomy, which revealed an intestinal obstruction, and the treatment she needed. Without this operation, she may not have survived.

Hope for Haiti’s referral program made this urgent treatment possible by paying for everything: the surgery, lab tests, medicine, and hospital stay. We believe that access to high-quality healthcare is a human right, and that no family should have to lose a loved one to a treatable condition.

Today, Zamy is back home with her mother, smiling and full of gratitude. She and her family are grateful for the Referral team’s fast action and the healthcare providers at our partner hospital.

<< You can support life-saving healthcare access by making a gift today >>

The post 15-Year-Old Girl Saved by Hope for Haiti’s Healthcare Referral Program appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

As a single mother of three, Kesna faces the added challenge of managing her health while raising children, two of whom also suffer from asthma. The situation is even more difficult living in a remote area with limited access to medical care, and each asthma attack becomes a frightening race to reach Les Cayes for treatment, often requiring

a perilous boat ride. For the past 15 years, Hope for Haiti has provided a lifeline to Kesna and her children, offering them access to life-saving medications, regular check-ups, and essential education on managing asthma.

Despite these challenges, Kesna remains incredibly resilient, doing everything in her power to ensure her children receive the care they need to live healthier lives. She attends her medical appointments every month, ensuring she stays on top of her treatment, and relies on Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne for the medications that help her manage the condition. But recently, Kesna’s condition has worsened, and her asthma attacks have become more severe and prolonged, putting her at greater risk.

When Kesna arrived at the clinic in critical condition, Hope for Haiti’s team acted swiftly to stabilize her, administering nebulizers and saline solution to improve her breathing. However, due to the severity of her condition, Kesna needed specialized care that could not be provided at the clinic. Hope for Haiti immediately referred her to a trusted medical partner through our Referral Program, covering all the costs of her treatment, including consultations, tests, hospitalization, and medications.

Hope for Haiti ensured that Kesna received the care she urgently needed, without any financial burden standing in her way. For Kesna, this was more than just receiving medical care, it was the chance to regain control over her health and continue caring for her family. “If it weren’t for Hope for Haiti, I would have died. What this hospital has done for me is what only my mother and father could have done. I will never stop thanking the Hope for Haiti team for the way they have helped me with this illness. They have never given up on me. Mesi Anpil Anpil!”

Kesna’s story is a testament to the resilience of the Haitian people, the critical role Hope for Haiti plays in providing access to healthcare, and the importance of unwavering support from donors like you.

You can help support people like Kesna by making a gift today >>

The post Resilience in the Face of Chronic Illness: Kesna’s Story appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our team, our partners, and generous supporters like you, Hope for Haiti’s programs impacted the lives of more than one million children, parents, and grandparents across southern Haiti this past year.

That’s over one million lives changed, whether through access to safe drinking water, empowerment through a small business loan, or a life-saving operation through our healthcare referral program. None of the inspiring stories we share would be possible without the support of people like you. 

In this video, Hope for Haiti CEO, Skyler Badenoch, and Chief Program Officer, Linda Thélémaque, invite you to explore our 2024 annual report, a collection of stories and impact numbers that your generosity helped make possible. Check it out now, as well as more than a decade’s worth of impact in Haiti, here.

You can make a gift to help support this life-saving work now.

The post Introducing Our 2024 Annual Report appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

The team at the Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE) diagnosed Julien with type 2 diabetes and prescribed her medication to treat it, but after some time, Julien returned to the ISE, reporting gastrointestinal distress.

The Hope for Haiti team spoke with Julien and one of her daughters, Naike, about her symptoms. Together, they determined that the prescribed treatment was causing Julien to have some negative side effects and sought another course of treatment.

That’s when the doctor prescribed Januvia (sitagliptin), which is used with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

This medication was generously donated to Hope for Haiti by CMMB through its Gift-In-Kind program, which supplies medications and medical supplies to 61 healthcare partners, ranging in size from small clinics to regional hospitals, and the Haitian Ministry of Health.

Thanks to partners like CMMB, approximately 1 million patients like Julien receive life-altering medication in Haiti each year through Hope for Haiti’s Gift-In-Kind program. Julien and her daughter Naike shared during a recent visit that they were very happy with the treatment and thankful for her medication.

“They take good care of people,” Julien added about the organizations.

You can help ensure that mothers like Julien have access to healthcare essentials by supporting our Healthcare program today.

The post “They Take Good Care of People”: Julien’s Story of Compassion and Care at Infirmary St. Etienne appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Just Two Weeks Left to Hike for Haiti

Time really does fly when you’re having fun! So far, the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti has taken us from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Atlanta, Georgia, and raised more than $74,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti. Next, we’ll head to Naples, Florida, and Greenwich, Connecticut!

Whether you’re joining us in-person or hiking and fundraising in your own community, remember that the fundraising deadline for this year’s prize eligibility is on May 31! So keep sharing your team or individual fundraising pages to help even more people get access to essentials like school books and asthma medication, while securing your spot as one of our grand prize winners!

$7,000 Donation Match Live!

In honor of the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti, we’re excited to announce that the next $7,000 in donations will be matched, instantly DOUBLING your impact! Help us reach our goal to raise $100,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti by May 31 by making a gift today. Every dollar makes a difference!

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT NOW

How Your Support Makes an Impact: Belizaire’s Story

At just 13 years old, Belizaire Mikerbens faced a life-threatening mystery illness that turned his once-happy childhood upside down. His family, already struggling financially, quickly ran out of resources trying to afford his care, until they were told about Hope for Haiti’s healthcare clinic, the Infirmary St. Etienne.

“I received all this treatment without paying any money,” said Belizaire. “The medical staff was really patient, and they explained everything to me about my diabetes [diagnosis]—when and how to take insulin, how to control my blood sugar level, and how to eat. I also received a device to monitor my blood sugar, alcohol, insulin, and other medications. Thanks to the information I received at ISE, I now raise awareness among my friends at school and in the neighborhood on how to recognize the signs of diabetes.”

Belizaire’s story is a powerful reminder that your generosity helps save lives! Read more about Belizaire’s journey here.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN HAITI

Explore Our Infirmary St. Etienne with CEO Skyler Badenoch

By now, you’ve likely heard a lot about our Infirmary Saint Etienne (often referred to as the ISE), located in Les Cayes, Haiti. In this new video, Hope for Haiti CEO Skyler Badenoch invites you to take a look inside the infirmary to meet team members and see how your donations make truly life-changing impact.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Introducing Buckets of Hope

This August and September, join us for Buckets of Hope, a national fundraising campaign benefiting Hope for Haiti’s WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program.

In honor of National Water Quality Month, we’re rallying schools, churches, businesses, sports teams, community groups, and more to take part in a simple, powerful challenge: to fill a bucket with donations to provide clean water access in Haiti.

REGISTER NOW

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The post 💸 Donation Match Now Live + Your Impact in Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

13-year-old Belizaire Mikerbens

Thirteen-year-old Belizaire Mikerbens is a bright and hardworking boy who enjoys farming and gardening. Living with his four siblings, mother, and father, Belizaire was leading an active and happy life. But when he suddenly began drinking excessive amounts of water and frequently urinating, his mother initially thought it was due to his love of eating fruit. It was his aunt who suspected something more serious and urged his mother to take him to the hospital.

Belizaire’s mother took him to Hôpital Immaculée Conception (HIC) in Les Cayes for a consultation. There, they discovered that his blood sugar level was dangerously high (400 mg/dl), confirming a diagnosis of diabetes. They were shocked by the news and couldn’t believe that diabetes could affect children like him.

The hospital decided to admit him, but within three days, his mother had already spent all the money she had. The high cost of medications left them feeling helpless, especially being so far from home. They didn’t know where to turn next, until a fellow patient at HIC told them about Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE), Hope for Haiti’s healthcare clinic.

Upon arriving at ISE, Belizaire was seen by a Hope for Haiti pediatrician. His blood sugar levels remained dangerously high, prompting the team to refer him to one of Hope for Haiti’s trusted medical partners for specialized care until he became stable and could be treated there. From that moment on, Belizaire never missed an appointment.

Thanks to the support of Hope for Haiti, Belizaire received life-saving medical treatment and diabetes education at no cost to his family.

“I received all this treatment without paying any money,” said Belizaire. “The medical staff was really patient, and they explained everything to me about diabetes—when and how to take insulin, how to control my blood sugar level, and how to eat. I also received a device to monitor my blood sugar, alcohol, insulin, and other medications. Thanks to the information I received at ISE, I now raise awareness among my friends at school and in the neighborhood on how to recognize the signs of diabetes.”

Patients line up to be seen at Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE) in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Belizaire’s story is an example of how access to healthcare can transform lives. Through Hope for Haiti’s support, he not only learned how to manage his condition but also became an advocate for diabetes awareness in his community.

At Hope for Haiti, we believe that no child should have to face a life-threatening illness without access to care. Stories like Belizaire’s motivate us to continue our mission of providing quality healthcare to children and families in Haiti. Your support helps ensure that children like Belizaire receive the treatment they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Want to help more children like Belizaire? Donate today and be a part of the change!

The post From Fear to Hope: Belizaire’s Journey to Life-Saving Diabetes Care appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Thank You to Our Facilities Team!

May 8 is World Facilities Management Day, so we’re taking this opportunity to recognize and thank the wonderful team members who maintain and clean our office and Infirmary St. Etienne in Haiti. Cleaning and building maintenance are a vital part of our ability to get work done and welcome patients to the clinic. Thank you, Facilities!

Facilities Team Members:
Rony Guiny (Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator)
Ronald Bathelemy (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Velant Clerge (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Marco Delinois (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Luce Destine (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)
Rose Marie Edma (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)
Fabienne Laudin (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)

Now that it’s May, we have officially reached the halfway point of the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti Challenge! With less than one month left to reach our goals, here are a few ways you can get involved today!

1. Join us in person for the Naples, Florida, or Greenwich, Connecticut, Hike for Haiti activations.
2. Register to take the Hike In Your Community.
3. Donate to support education & healthcare access by supporting the Hike for Haiti.
4. Wear your support by shopping our limited edition Hike for Haiti-branded apparel.
5. Share the Hike for Haiti with your co-workers, friends, and family, online or in-person! We’ve created a comprehensive Hike for Haiti toolkit filled with talking points, graphics for your social media, and more to get you started!

MORE ABOUT THE HIKE FOR HAITI

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The post 💉Vaccination, Facilities Team, & Hike Update appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

In the wake of World Immunization Week (April 24-30), we are reminded of the vital role vaccines play in giving every child the chance to grow up healthy and protected. Ten-month-old Joanie Pierre Joseph is a shining example of how access to vaccines can change a life.

Joanie’s mother, Toussaint Francesse, began bringing her to Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary Saint Etienne when she was just a few weeks old. She was immediately impressed by the warm, welcoming staff and the extra care given to children, like the medicine provided after each injection to ease pain and fever. Month after month, she returned, and today, Joanie is fully vaccinated.

Thanks to the consistent and accessible vaccination service offered at the Infirmary Saint Etienne, Joanie is now protected against dangerous diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria. Even in the face of an outbreak, she has the defense she needs to stay healthy and thrive. Her mother is deeply grateful not only for the treatment, but for the dedicated staff and the ongoing commitment to community health. She hopes vaccination will remain accessible in Les Cayes so that every child in the area has the same opportunity to grow up safe, strong, and well.

You can learn more about Hope for Haiti’s comprehensive healthcare program and help ensure families like Joanie and Francesse can access life-saving care here.

The post Vaccination Access for 10-Month-Old Joanie appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Dear friend,

At Hope for Haiti, we’re always working to expand our impact, and we’re excited to share some updates on our latest programs that are making a real difference for families in Haiti. From education initiatives to economic development opportunities, your support is helping create lasting change.

One powerful way to get involved is by joining the Hike for Haiti! This annual event unites our global community in solidarity with Haitian students who walk miles each day to access education. Whether you hike, donate, or spread the word, you can make a difference. Stay tuned for more details below, and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

With immense gratitude,
The Team at Hope for Haiti

Harnessing the Power of Education

From March 19 to 21, teachers and directors from three of our partner schools (Presbytérale Ste Anne de Boirond, St François Xavier de Morency, and Christ-Roi de Cammy) gathered in Les Cayes for a three-day training session on classroom management.

This training provided participants with new strategies to manage their classrooms more effectively and foster a positive learning environment for students.

Thanks to Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, participants in the training were introduced to fundamental concepts of child and adolescent psychology and explored child-friendly approaches to classroom discipline, such as positive discipline and effective communication techniques. These methods help establish a classroom climate built on trust and respect, where students learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop leadership skills for the future.

SUPPORT EDUCATION THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Spotlight on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

An update from Yoosley Leconte, Hope for Haiti Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager:

“At Hope for Haiti, we are committed to data-driven decision-making. We truly believe that accurate, reliable data is key to ensuring our programs are accountable and create a lasting impact.

This month, our Senior MEAL Officer, Mirat Lauvenski Louis, is conducting a data validation at Dispensaire Ferme Le Blanc, Torbeck, as part of the Equity Accelerator Funding project in partnership with JSI Research & Training Institute Inc., a vaccination project implemented in two communities (Camp Perin and Torbeck) in the South Department.

The routine data quality assessment is a powerful tool to inform decisions, ensuring every dollar spent on our programs creates meaningful change.”

We Need Your Help – $1 Million is Within Our Reach!

Since the first Hike for Haiti in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement. This year, our goal is to reach the $1 million mark, and we need your help!

You can join the movement today by making a donation, creating or joining a team, registering for an in-person activation (see graphic below), or by becoming a sponsor or ambassador!

JOIN THE HIKE NOW

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The post 🇭🇹Teacher Training, Accountability & Hike Updates! appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Hope for Haiti’s Newsletter is Now Illuminate!

Dear Hope for Haiti Family,

In everything we do, the Hope for Haiti team strives to keep people at the center of our storytelling. After all, the people are why this work matters and who your support is affecting.

We’re excited to announce that the Hope for Haiti email newsletter is now Illuminate, named for our continuous effort to shine a light on the positive, impactful stories happening every day in Haiti. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and your commitment to helping us improve the lives of the Haitian people, particularly women and children.

A Mother Finds Hope Through Targeted Financial Support

Before becoming a beneficiary of Hope for Haiti’s Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) Program, Nadia Ogzama, a 31-year-old mother of two, experienced moments of despair. “It was hard for me to find enough to feed my children,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I worried most about Richardson, my youngest, who is only 12 months old. Without proper nutrition, I feared for his health.”

READ MORE

Hope for Haiti Launches Diabetic Children’s Club to Empower Families

In this update, Hope for Haiti Clinic Manager Jean Herns Dede shares valuable insights and the moving cases that led to the development of our first-ever diabetes support group for children.

“…for effective and efficient care to be provided to the children, parents must be educated about the disease,” said Miss Sandina, Hope for Haiti Head Nurse.

READ MORE

Save the Date for the Annual Hike for Haiti!

Join us this spring as we embark on the 7th annual Hike for Haiti! Since the first hike in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement.

Hike prizes and in-person activations will be held from April – May 2025. Stay tuned for details!

Follow @hopeforhaiti on social media:
Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok| Threads | Bluesky

The post 🕯️ Illuminate by Hope for Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.