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Success! Melienne from Haiti raised $1,085 to fund a mastectomy.

Melienne
100%
  • $1,085 raised, $0 to go
$1,085
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Melienne's treatment was fully funded on January 8, 2018.

Photo of Melienne post-operation

August 17, 2017

Melienne underwent a mastectomy.

Melienne had a successful mastectomy. She is extremely pleased with her treatment and is full of energy.

She says, “I thank God and all that he has done for me. I am excited to get better and grow with my daughter.”

Melienne had a successful mastectomy. She is extremely pleased with her treatment and is full of energy. She says, "I thank God and all ...

Read more
July 29, 2017

Melienne is a 35-year-old woman who lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is the mother of a nine-year-old little girl.

She is not currently working but has worked in a hotel and as a street merchant. When she is not working or providing for her daughter, Melienne really enjoys listening to music and singing. She describes it as her passion.

Some time ago, Melienne noticed a mass in her breast but did not pay attention to it since it did not hurt. In January of 2017 she finally went to the hospital and had a biopsy. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Melienne will be getting a mastectomy on July 29. Our medical partner, Innovating Health International, is requesting $1,085 to fund this treatment. With this surgery, Melienne will likely be able to be present in her young daughter’s life. She will be able to become more active and start working as well.

Melienne is a 35-year-old woman who lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is the mother of a nine-year-old little girl. She is not current...

Read more

Melienne's Timeline

  • July 29, 2017
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Melienne was submitted by Gaelle Mondestin at Innovating Health International.

  • July 29, 2017
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Melienne 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 17, 2017
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Melienne's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • August 17, 2017
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Melienne's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • January 8, 2018
    FULLY FUNDED

    Melienne's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 18 donors

Funded by 18 donors

Treatment
Mastectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,085 for Melienne's treatment
Hospital Fees
$815
Medical Staff
$0
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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.