Carmelle’s Story and Why Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Matters
For many women, cervical cancer shows no symptoms in its earliest stages. That unfortunate truth almost cost Valbrun Pierre Marie Carmelle her life.
Carmelle is 60 years old, a widow, and a mother of one. Born and raised in Les Cayes, she has spent her life serving others as a laboratory technician. Like many women in southern Haiti, she never imagined that a routine screening could one day save her life.
For years, Carmelle heard people talk about the Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE), part of Hope for Haiti’s healthcare network, but she never felt the need to visit. That changed in 2021, when she was diagnosed with diabetes at another hospital and came to the ISE for continued follow-up care. It was a decision that would prove life-changing.
In 2022, during a routine visit, Carmelle overheard a health educator speaking with women about cervical cancer and the importance of screening. She felt healthy and had no symptoms, but she decided to take advantage of the free screening offered through Hope for Haiti. Her results came back negative.
The following year, she returned for another screening. This time, the results revealed cervical cancer.
“I was overwhelmed,” Carmelle recalls. “I thought I was going to die.”
She was immediately referred to a gynecologist, underwent a Pap smear and biopsy, and was diagnosed with mild cervical dysplasia. While the word “cancer” filled her with fear, her doctor reassured her that treatment was possible and that early detection had made all the difference.
Carmelle agreed to undergo a total hysterectomy. Today, she is healthy, hopeful, and living without fear.
“I have nothing but positive things to say about the care I received,” she says. “Hope for Haiti helped save my life.”
During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 19-25, 2026), Carmelle’s story reminds us why education, access, and early screening are critical, especially in communities where cost, stigma, and misinformation often prevent women from seeking care.
She now urges other women to take action.
“Cervical cancer is a silent killer,” Carmelle says. “You may not feel anything, but the disease may be there. Don’t listen to taboos. Don’t listen to people who say exams are bad. Take advantage of the free screening at ISE.”
Reflecting on her journey, Carmelle adds:
“Hope for Haiti has done so much for me. I always tell people close to me that without this screening program, I would have died. I have no words to thank Hope for Haiti and everyone who supports these free programs for our community.”
Hope for Haiti is proud to provide free cervical cancer screenings, education, and referrals to women across southern Haiti—because no woman should lose her life to a preventable disease simply due to lack of access.
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, you can help save lives like Carmelle’s.
Your support ensures that more women receive early screenings, life-saving treatment, and the hope of a healthy future.
Donate today to support more women like Carmelle at give.hopeforhaiti.com/cervicalcancer25
