She was 13 when her father brought her to Visitation Clinic. Michaelle was listless, loosing weight and obviously ill. Even though her parents were poor and lived in the remote mountains, they had heard good things about our clinic, so they decided to make the journey, even bypassing a much closer health-center. She was, after all, their oldest daughter and they were desperate not to loose her. Our doctors quickly diagnosed the problem - diabetes, type I. Such news is distressing to receive anywhere in the world, but in rural Haiti it is especially foreboding. Insulin is expensive, hard to find, and there are no refrigerators or electricity to keep it cool. Plus, patients need a clinic nearby to help them monitor the disease.
Our staff realized the grim predicament that Michaelle and her parents faced. If she returned to the mountains, there would be little likelihood of controlling the disease, and her young life would be difficult and short. But people in rural Haiti have a long tradition of sharing burdens and helping each other out. So a solution was found. Michaelle would move close to the clinic. Where would she stay? One of our own housekeepers volunteered to house her. What about school? Our administrators stepped forward and offered to help out. How about medical expenses? Visitation Clinic would cover them.
So, for the past three years, Michaelle has become one of our success stories. She comes by the clinic every afternoon for her shot and a meal. In return she helps out with kitchen chores and cleaning. She is now in fourth grade and is on track to finish primary school next year. And as the pictures show, her ready smile and sweet disposition are far from the dour little girl who came to our doors three years ago.
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