A Message from a Grateful Patient

Time and again, we are pleased to talk about the amazing work being done at Hôpital Sacré Coeur. Today, you can read what stunning success means to a recent Hôpital Sacré Coeur orthopedic patient.

Rachel’s Story

My name is Rachel, a 26-year-old woman, full of energy, good humor and confidence in life. But most importantly, I am a survivor — thanks to Hôpital Sacré Coeur.

HSCOn November 23, 2017, a few colleagues and I celebrated the birthday of my best friend at a Port au Prince restaurant. Around 11 in the evening, we began our drive home. At the corner of Oge and Lamarre Streets, I saw a vehicle rush on us to our right. I did not have time to blink when the two vehicles collided. Our car was hit twice, and we were thrown against a wall.

Stunned, I tried to move, without success. An ambulance arrived and took me to three hospitals, but I was not admitted to any of them, for different reasons each time. Finally, a private clinic in Turgeau agreed to receive me. The orthopedist said I had broken both femurs and needed an emergency operation. A few days later, I was discharged and began a physiotherapy program. Everything was fine — for two weeks. Then, I began to hear crackling sounds in my knees and thighs and felt pain when I bent my knees. The attending physician prescribed painkillers and a muscle relaxant.

Despair Sets In

After a month of pain and no visible progress, I had more X-rays. When I looked at the films I was shocked. The right thigh bone was visibly broken, and the screws were almost out of the bone. The doctor said the intervention had been a disaster and the procedure needed to be repeated. I began to sob because at that moment I told myself that I would not walk again. I had little hope of finding someone competent enough to repair the mistakes of another. As depressed as my mother was by the news, she went on to church. She left, dead in the soul, and I sank into despair.

Ortho 1

Once Again, Hôpital Sacré Coeur Comes to the Rescue!

When my mother returned, she told me a church member promised to call her daughter, a physician at Hôpital Sacré Coeur. Within hours, Dr. Michelle Hanna phoned. I sent her the x-rays, not expecting good news. The next day, Dr. Hanna called back. Hôpital Sacré Coeur’s Chief Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ogedad Pierre, agreed to repair the damage! In early January, I made the 6-hour tip to Milot by a Haitian Red Cross ambulance.

That same evening, I met Hôpital Sacré Coeur’s Dr. Pierre and his team. For the first time in months, I was filled with hope. Hope! A feeling I thought I would never have again.

Dr. Pierre, spoke to me about several treatment options. Happily, there was no infection and the operation went smoothly.

Pierre 1Dr. Pierre visited me in the PACU after the procedure. He watched me, saw that everything was fine, then he helped me sit on the edge of the bed, knees bent. Despite the pain, I did it! A first victory in over 6 weeks. Another month, after following Dr. Pierre’s rehabilitation program, I stood, with support, on two feet. Painless! The last time I had stood up was two and a half months ago. I cried with joy.

Subsequently I progressed, success after success. On February 9, I took my first steps, with support of course. On February 23rd, I was able to climb stairs. I had only one step left: walk alone, without support. On March 7th, — a day I will long remember — I walked on my own!

 
 

Happy

High Praise and Gratitude!

Hôpital Sacré Coeur’s Dr. Hanna reached out to me when I had lost hope. And, thanks to the outstanding care and compassion of Dr. Pierre, Dr. Etienne, Dr. Martineau and their assistant, James, I have a glorious story to tell. Which leads me to say: Hôpital Sacré Coeur’s medical teams have the right skills and the right tools and materials to create — what to me seems — a miracle.

The Difference You Make

Each day, versions of Rachel’s story are told throughout Hôpital Sacré Coeur. Routinely, patients face daunting challenges to find accessible, quality healthcare. When they arrive at Hôpital Sacré Coeur, we can see the relief in their face, their building confidence in getting effective treatment, and their hope for a better life returning.

All thanks to YOU!

YOUR financial support keeps people alive, healthy and filled with hope!

Thank you for taking a few moments out of your day, to donate. Every dollar counts.

Every dollar has the power to heal.

Gratefully Yours,


Harold Prévil, M.D.
CEO, Hôpital Sacré Coeur

Sister Ann Crawley, C.S.J.P.
Hôpital Sacré Coeur Outreach

David G. Butler, M.D.
Chairman and Medical Volunteer

P.S. Each day, increased numbers of patients come to Hôpital Sacré Coeur in search of the highest quality healthcare. The hospital stays open only with your generous support. Send your tax-deductible donation by October 31st. Remember: 100% of your donation goes directly to patient care programs.