Mimose’s Story
Mimose Before Surgery
Iodized salt is rare in Haiti. Iodine deficiency is common and frequently causes a thyroid condition in women called “goiter”. Mimose had a goiter growing in her neck. She travelled to various hospitals in Haiti but was told her goiter was inoperable. The condition limited Mimose’s ability to work and help support her six children.
Mimose During Surgery
Mimose was encouraged to visit the Grand Anse Women’s Special Health Program and have a breast exam. Fortunately, no breast cancer was detected and other than the goiter, she had no other health problems. Mimose was put on the list for the next visit of the Grand Anse Surgery Project (GASP). She was evaluated by a GASP doctor and accepted for thyroid surgery.
Mimose Two Days Post Surgery
Her surgery was a success! This surgery would have cost $5,000 at a hospital in Port-au-Prince. The GASP surgeons do not charge for their surgeries.
Mimose Two Weeks Post Surgery
Now Mimose can breathe normally as well and talk and sing. She can even yell at her kids! Mimose has expressed a deep gratitude to the GASP surgeons, the Grand Anse Special Women’s Health Program and all her other local health care providers. She already has a new life.
Mimose Six Months Post Surgery
After surgery, to show his gratitude, her husband, an assistant baker, walked to the town where the GASP surgeons were lodging, with a bag full of the specialty bread of Jeremie called ‘konparet’.