Francesca Bellevue, a bright-eyed two-year-old girl, hails from the scenic hills of Kenscoff, Haiti. Her life, however, has been far from picturesque. Born on October 9, 2021, Francesca faced challenges that no child should endure, struggling against severe malnutrition in her formative years.
A Family in Need
Francesca is the youngest of three children in an extended family. Her father, Franckel Bellevue, works tirelessly at odd jobs to support his family, often away from home for weeks. Her mother is a vegetable vendor in the bustling market of Pétion-Ville, leaving little time to care for Francesca and her siblings. The family’s financial instability and limited access to proper nutrition meant that Francesca’s dietary needs were often neglected, falling to her grandparents and older siblings to manage.
The family’s diet—primarily consisting of produce like corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin—lacked the nutrients needed for a growing child. This neglect led to Francesca’s alarming health condition, where her body became swollen from malnutrition, and she lost the ability to stand.
A Lifeline at St. Damien’s
In dire need of help, Francesca was admitted to the malnutrition ward at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital. For 23 days, she received specialized care, including a diet of fortified milk tailored to her condition. Under the watchful eyes of compassionate doctors and nurses, Francesca began her path to recovery. Her transformation has been remarkable. Today, she is regaining strength and starting to explore the world around her, one small step at a time.
NPH: A New Chapter
Francesca’s life took a turn for the better thanks to the support of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children. NPH provided her with not only the medical care she needed but also a nurturing environment where she could thrive. Francesca now enjoys regular meals and the warmth of caregivers who are invested in her well-being. Her days are filled with play, learning, and the love of a community that wants the best for her.
The Bigger Picture
Francesca’s story is a testament to the importance of organizations like NPH in addressing systemic issues like malnutrition and poverty. Without NPH and the dedicated team at St. Damien’s, Francesca’s future would have been uncertain. Instead, she now has a fighting chance to grow, learn, and one day give back to her community.
Looking Ahead
Francesca’s family is optimistic about her future. Her father, Franckel, reflects on the transformative impact NPH has had: “Without this support, I don’t know where we’d be. My daughter’s health has improved so much. We have hope again.”
As Francesca continues to recover, her caregivers at NPH focus on fostering her independence and self-confidence. She has already shown a resilient spirit and a love for exploring her surroundings. With continued support, Francesca’s dreams of a brighter future can become a reality.