When you arrive at our clinic, one of the first people you’ll meet is Berthonine, a warm and dedicated staff member who has been taking vital signs for patients since February 2023. At 40 years old, she brings a quiet strength and genuine care to every patient who comes through our doors. Though her role might seem like a simple one – checking blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels – her work is far more significant than many realize.

Berthonine was born in Mirebalais and currently lives in Cazale with her husband. Like so many Haitians, her life has been marked by challenges. She had to leave her home because of the insecurity that has affected so many communities, and she and her husband now rent a modest house. She has no children of her own, but she’s close with her family of one brother and three sisters. Though her mother has passed away, her father is still living, and family remains important to her.

When we asked Berthonine what she loves about her work, her answer was simple but profound: “It helps me learn and it helps me advance in my life.” She approaches each day with purpose. She arrives early, sets up her equipment on the clinic porch, and systematically takes vital signs for every patient. During her break, she carefully puts everything away, then returns to continue her afternoon work. When the day ends, she cleans and organizes her station – a commitment to excellence in what might be overlooked as routine work.

But one story reveals just how vital her role truly is.

One afternoon, during her lunch break, a worried mother approached her. “My child isn’t well,” she said. Even though Berthonine was on her break, she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her equipment and went to check the child’s oxygen levels. When she placed the oximeter on the child’s finger, she saw something alarming: the oxygen reading was 85% – dangerously low. Without a moment’s pause, Berthonine ran to alert the medical team. The child was rushed to the emergency room and placed on oxygen. That afternoon, as the child’s condition stabilized, the mother returned to thank Berthonine, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. “I always remember this story,” Berthonine says, “because if I wouldn’t have taken the time to look at the child and take it under consideration, it could have died.”

This is Berthonine’s heart. She doesn’t see her work as clocking in and clocking out. She sees it as an opportunity to serve, to care, and to potentially save lives. She understands that the vital signs she takes are the foundation that allows our doctors and nurses to make informed decisions. “I do all the vital signs for all the patients so that this makes the work faster for the doctors and nurses,” she explains. She’s thinking about how her work helps everyone.

When asked what would make her work easier, Berthonine’s answer is humble: a better place to sit. Right now, she works on the porch with limited space. It’s a small request from someone doing such important work. She also shared that she’d like to see a bigger hospital to serve the growing needs of the area.

But despite the challenges – the insecurity that forced her to leave her home, the modest circumstances of her life, working on a porch with limited resources – Berthonine remains grateful. “Real Hope for Haiti helps the area because they give people a lot of support during their illnesses,” she says. “They take good care of people and bring the area good health.”

Berthonine is a Christian and attends church regularly. When we asked what we could pray for her, she simply asked for prayers for her health and protection.

As we reflect on the work of our clinic, we’re reminded that it doesn’t happen because of grand gestures or perfect circumstances. It happens because of people like Berthonine – faithful, dedicated, compassionate people who show up every day and do their work with excellence. She takes vital signs. She saves lives. She advances her own life while serving others. And she does it all with a smile and a generous heart.

Thank you, Berthonine, for being such a vital part of our mission. You are truly appreciated.