Louneca, a 19-year-old, was filled with anticipation as she awaited the birth of her first child. Her pregnancy had been smooth, and she was eager to embrace being a new mom. But when labor began, what should have been a joyous occasion quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal. After her first contractions, Louneca stayed home, believing that she could deliver naturally. However, hours turned into days, and a full week passed with excruciating pain—but no baby.

Then, her situation took a terrifying turn: Louneca developed eclampsia, a life-threatening complication that endangers both mother and child. Her family, in a state of panic, rushed her to our clinic, desperate for help. As soon as she arrived, our medical team sprang into action, providing the emergency care needed to stabilize her condition. It was clear, however, that Louneca required specialized treatment. She needed a cesarean section, but this would require a better-equipped facility.

Fortunately, through our partnership with a hospital 30 minutes away in Cabaret, we were able to arrange a rapid transfer. Our team worked to stabilize Louneca and keep her conscious. Despite her critical condition, she was able to walk to the car with assistance. The urgency was clear, but the window of opportunity had not yet closed.

Once at the hospital, the gynecologist performed an emergency cesarean section. After tense hours of waiting, the news came: both Louneca and her baby had survived. The operation was a success, and mother and child were finally safe.

For Louneca’s family, relief washed over them as they thanked the staff at both our clinic and the hospital for saving their loved ones. In a country where medical resources are often stretched thin, the collaboration between our clinic and the hospital in Cabaret was the difference between life and death.

Today, Louneca holds her baby in her arms, filled with gratitude and awe. She knows how close she came to losing her life. Eclampsia is a condition that often proves fatal in under-resourced settings like Haiti. She is thankful to God and the medical teams who acted swiftly to save her and her child.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of our partnerships with other hospitals. When faced with critical emergencies like Louneca’s, our joint efforts ensure that no mother has to face these terrifying situations alone. Louneca’s life—and that of her baby—are a testament to what is possible when we come together to serve those in need.