Kesna Mesidor, a 54-year-old woman from the island of Île-à-Vache, has spent her entire life surrounded by the beauty of the beaches and fishing communities. But living 6 miles off the coast of Les Cayes brings tremendous challenges, especially when it comes to accessing essential healthcare. Kesna has battled asthma since childhood, a condition that often leaves her struggling to breathe. “When I have an asthma attack, I feel really unwell. Sometimes, I can’t recognize anyone and start speaking incoherently. It’s like my lungs are full, and I can’t breathe at all,” Kesna shares.
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 >>
