Bernadette was growing more and more worried about her 11-year-old son Fridno. His fever would not break. She decided to make the half-an-hour trip from her home in Desarmes to HAS to find out what was ailing her boy.
It turned out to be a serious matter.
A pediatrician examined Fridno and diagnosed him with peritonitis perforation, a life-threatening abdominal complication.
Fridno underwent 4 surgeries by 3 surgeons and spent a total of 77 days hospitalized at HAS.
Fortunately, Bernadette, who was in her third trimester of pregnancy, did not have the added worry of how she would afford Fridno’s care and surgeries. Thanks to financial assistance, the total bill was only 18,000 HTG (or $170 USD). Throughout his hospital stay, Fridno also received free meals from HAS’ social service meal program.
Dr. Toussaint, Chief of Pediatrics, says, “Without our interventions and resources, Fridno wouldn’t be alive today. The family was limited in resources and this kind of care would be limited in our area of the Artibonite.”
Fridno is now fully recovered and back at home. His story is just one example of the impact of your donations. We are grateful for allies like you who help eliminate health barriers in the Artibonite Valley and give little boys and girls a chance to grow up healthy.