Watsi

Success! Marie-Nicole from Haiti raised $1,085 to fund a mastectomy.

100%

$1,085 raised, $0 to go

$1,085

raised

to go

Fully funded

Marie-Nicole's treatment was fully funded on January 8, 2018.

Marie-Nicole's story
Marie-Nicole's update

Photo of Marie-Nicole post-operation

August 15, 2017

Marie-Nicole underwent a mastectomy.

Marie-Nicole had a successful mastectomy. She will be able to be more present in her children’s lives and be more active. She will be more independent as well.

She says, “This is part of the solution to my illness. I am excited for what is to come and really thank God.”

Marie-Nicole had a successful mastectomy. She will be able to be more present in her children’s lives and be more active. She will be more i...

July 29, 2017

Marie-Nicole is a 42-year-old mother of seven from Haiti. She also has two grandchildren. Before the development of her condition, Marie-Nicole used to work as a housekeeper. In the future, Marie-Nicole would like to become a vendor, particularly because she likes the idea of selling different items depending on what is trending.

In August of 2016, Marie-Nicole noticed a small mass on her left breast. While she initially did not think much of it because of its size, Marie-Nicole grew increasingly worried as the mass grew and began to cause her pain. At our medical partner’s care center, St. Luc Family Hospital, a biopsy confirmed Marie-Nicole’s diagnosis with breast cancer. She has since undergone four sessions of chemotherapy.

Our medical partner, Innovating Health International, is requesting $1,085 to fund a mastectomy for Marie-Nicole, which is scheduled to take place on July 29. The procedure will greatly decrease the risk of cancer metastasis and will hopefully allow her to return to the activities that she greatly enjoys. Marie-Nicole is excited to be able to receive this treatment and looks forward to getting her health back.

Marie-Nicole is a 42-year-old mother of seven from Haiti. She also has two grandchildren. Before the development of her condition, Marie-Nic...

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Marie-Nicole's case was submitted by Gaelle Mondestin at Innovating Health International.

Marie-Nicole's Timeline

July 29, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Marie-Nicole was submitted by Gaelle Mondestin at Innovating Health International.
July 29, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Marie-Nicole received treatment at St. Luc Family Hospital in Haiti. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
August 14, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Marie-Nicole's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 15, 2017
TREATMENT UPDATE
Marie-Nicole's treatment was successful. Read the update.
January 8, 2018
FULLY FUNDED
Marie-Nicole's treatment was fully funded.

Share Marie-Nicole's story

Funded by 8 donors

Treatment

Mastectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $1,085 for Marie-Nicole's treatment

Hospital Fees

$815

Medical Staff

Medication

$95

Supplies

$110

Travel

$10

Labs

$40

Radiology

$15

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients present with lumps in the breast, dimpling of the skin, swelling in the armpit, or discharge from the nipple.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Breast cancer is a fatal disease. In Haiti, a mastectomy is the only option for treatment.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Because cancer care is a relatively recent option in Haiti, cancer is seen as a death sentence. Haitians are very hesitant to remove a part of their body for fear of social stigma. To minimize this fear, our medical partner offers breast reconstruction. Patients also receive counseling before and after surgery.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Patients receive chemotherapy for several months either before or after surgery. The surgery lasts two hours and recovery lasts two weeks.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

This treatment saves lives.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Patients might develop infections because many do not have access to clean water. To combat this possibility, patients are given bottles of wound cleanser. A few patients might develop permanent arm swelling. In some cases, cancer can recur.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

In the entire country, there are only three options for cancer care. Through private doctors, a mastectomy can cost several thousand dollars. Many women move from doctor to doctor and exhaust all their savings.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Without treatment, patients will likely pass away.

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