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

“I don’t know where this disease comes from or why it chose me.”

These are the words of Kyarah, a 6-year-old diabetic girl who was recently hospitalized due to extremely high blood sugar.

Despite this, many in our community still believe that only adults can have diabetes and that this chronic disease does not affect children.

We recently held our first meeting for the Diabetic Children’s Club with patients from Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne. Although we already have a Diabetes Club for our adult patients, we realized that it is particularly important to have dedicated sessions for parents whose children have been diagnosed with diabetes. 

“They need more guidance, and 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.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen two parents bring their children to our clinic because they were losing weight despite eating a lot. They did not realize that the reason their children weren’t feeling well was diabetes,” said Roselande, Hope for Haiti’s Pharmacist. 

She continued, “After providing proper medical care, we want to guide and educate parents so their diabetic children can live with the disease, go to school, and play like other children.”

Our team will continue to visit different community schools in the coming weeks to conduct a large-scale diabetes screening. This is one of the many ways Hope for Haiti works to improve the quality of life for people in our community.

You can support Hope for Haiti’s healthcare program and its Infirmary St. Etienne here.

The post Hope for Haiti Launches Diabetic Children’s Club to Empower Families appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Third-year agronomy student Marie Fedia Louisius isn’t letting obstacles stand in the way of her agricultural work.

Marie is one of Hope for Haiti’s 50 active college scholarship students in Les Cayes, Haiti. During one of the students’ regular meetings with Hope for Haiti Scholarship Program Coordinator Pierre Junior Cornelien (“Junior”), he spoke to the students about starting gardens where possible as eventual food sources.

“We suggested that agronomy students take the initiative,” said Junior. “We showed them that time and space are not obstacles.”

A few weeks later, Junior and Hope for Haiti Photographer Magdie Saintil joined Marie on the roof of her home, which was covered in beautiful plants and vegetables in various containers.

“[Marie] used the roof of her small house to create a vegetable garden. She has peppers, cabbages, spinach, tomatoes, and chilies,” said Junior. He continued, “Magdie and I were amazed at how she used the roof of her little house to create this garden. We have other young agronomy students who have joined forces to cultivate a portion of land. I’m teaching them to combine entrepreneurship with their studies.”

To learn more about our Education program, including the JoAnne and Carl Kuehner Sr. Scholarship Fund, click here. To learn more about our Economic Development program, including our school garden initiatives, click here.

The post Urban Gardening Provides Food Resource in Southern Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Losemine’s connection to Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE) began years ago, when she used to accompany her grandfather for medical visits. Today, as a mother, she places her trust in the Hope for Haiti team to provide the best care for her baby girl. Since her birth, Nael has been a regular visitor to our pediatric department, where she receives comprehensive medical attention for all her health needs.

At each visit, our pediatrician relies on the results of our laboratory tests, such as complete blood count, CRP, stool test, and urine test, to guide accurate diagnoses and ensure Nael receives timely and effective treatment. These diagnostic tools play a critical role in maintaining his health and fostering his development. The ISE has become a trusted partner in Nael’s growth and well-being.

For a nine-month-old like Nael, lab tests are not just a diagnostic tool—they are a cornerstone of his overall health and development. At this tender age, a baby’s body is rapidly growing, and its immune system is still developing. Lab tests provide invaluable insights that help detect, monitor, and manage potential health issues early on, ensuring they receive the care they need promptly.

In Nael’s case, the consistent use of lab tests has been instrumental in supporting her health journey. These tests serve as a bridge between symptom presentation and effective care, ensuring Nael continues to thrive under the vigilant watch of his healthcare team.

“I don’t know what I would have done or what would have become of my child without the care she has received at the clinic. I am infinitely grateful,” says Losemine.

Nael’s story is a reminder of how accessible healthcare, dedicated professionals, and reliable diagnostic tools can make a lasting impact on the lives of families. A healthier future is being shaped for Nael and countless children like her.

You can help support vital healthcare access for more families in southern Haiti by donating to our Healthcare program!

The post A Mother’s Trust in Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Fifteen years ago, I stood in Haiti as the earth shook beneath us, altering the course of countless lives forever. The 2010 earthquake brought unimaginable devastation—homes reduced to rubble, families torn apart, hundreds of thousands dead or injured, and communities left reeling. Yet, even in those darkest moments, I witnessed something extraordinary: the courage, strength, and determination of the Haitian people.

Several weeks after the earthquake, I found myself boarding a U.S. military flight out of Haiti. I had been working as a first responder near the quake’s epicenter in Carrefour, sleeping in a 10,000-person tent encampment alongside heroic Haitian doctors, nurses, and first responders who gave everything they had to help others. Exhausted, heartbroken, and forever changed, I sat on that plane overwhelmed by emotion and made a promise to spend the next 20 years of my life working to empower and resource local community leaders in Haiti.Serving as the CEO of Hope for Haiti has allowed me to continue to fulfill that promise in ways I could never have imagined. Before, during, and after the earthquake, Hope for Haiti’s work has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide resources and training to those shaping Haiti’s future. From entrepreneurs creating jobs and building businesses, to nurses and doctors improving health outcomes with unwavering compassion, to young scholars who embody hope—like one of our scholarship recipients who recently graduated college and is now beginning her career as a nurse, determined to serve her community—and to families striving for a brighter future for their children, we are committed to empowering and resourcing Haiti’s changemakers.

If you are following the news surrounding the 15th anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, you’ve likely seen headlines focusing on the misuse of funding, government corruption, and the current challenges in Port-au-Prince. While these issues are real, that is not the full story.

What often gets overlooked are the stories of transformation and progress happening every day. Haiti is not just its struggles, nor is it solely defined by its capital city. It is a nation of extraordinary people—economic development professionals teaching women the power of communal saving, nurses providing critical care to patients, farmers feeding their communities through innovation, and families striving for a brighter tomorrow. These stories may not make the headlines, but they are the heartbeat of Haiti’s progress and potential.

Fifteen years later, I’m reminded of three vital lessons from the earthquake that remain just as relevant today:

1. Empower and Resource Local Leaders: Sustainable change happens when we support leaders who know their communities best. By investing in their leadership, we create a lasting impact.
2. Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance Are Non-Negotiable: The earthquake highlighted the dangers of inefficiency and the misuse of resources. All organizations working in Haiti must adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and governance, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and transparently to create measurable results that are available for all to see.
3. Focus on Realistic and Tangible Action: Haiti’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but progress is made through realistic, actionable goals that address immediate needs while building for the future. This pragmatic approach creates ripple effects of progress where it’s needed most.

As the Haitian proverb says, “Dèyè mòn, gen mòn”—beyond the mountains, there are more mountains. The challenges are great, but so is the determination of the Haitian people and the global community committed to walking alongside them.

The earthquake 15 years ago revealed both the immense challenges Haiti faces and the incredible resilience of its people. While the country continues to confront adversity—political instability, economic hardships, and natural disasters—there are countless examples of progress driven by those who refuse to give up.

Now, more than ever, Haiti needs a global community that believes in its potential. I invite you to take action:

• Donate: Support programs that empower local leaders and deliver meaningful change.
• Share: Help amplify stories of progress and hope to counter negative narratives.
• Advocate: Stand for accountability, equity, and sustainable solutions for Haiti’s future.

Together, we can honor the lives lost, celebrate the resilience of the Haitian people, and commit to writing the next chapter of Haiti’s story—one of hope, determination, and transformation.

With gratitude and hope,

Skyler Badenoch,

Hope for Haiti CEO

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