My name is Christley, and I have been working as a nurse at Real Hope for Haiti (RHFH) since February 2022. My role at RHFH is diverse—I work in the emergency room, care for patients in the Cholera Treatment Center (CTC), assist in wound care, and support the center for malnourished children. Each day, I find myself placing IVs, giving medications, educating parents and patients, taking vital signs, and even performing sutures when necessary. It’s a challenging job, but one that I love deeply. There is a special fulfillment that comes from caring for those who are sick and seeing them make their way to recovery. The joy of watching someone who was once in pain leave the clinic healed is indescribable.

One moment that stands out to me happened at the CTC, where I faced an experience that changed my perspective on life and nursing. A patient arrived who was on the verge of death. I hurried to gather supplies, and when I returned, the patient was taking their last breaths. I moved as quickly as I could, inserted the IV, and prayed. Within minutes, the patient took a deep breath and regained consciousness. It was the first time I had ever been involved in such a critical, near-death situation, and it taught me how important it is to be well-prepared and have access to essential supplies. That moment reinforced for me why the work RHFH does is so crucial to this community.

The work I do at RHFH has had a positive impact not only on my patients but on my own life as well. I live in a small three-room home with my husband, daughter, and a friend. I feel blessed to have a job that allows me to provide for my family and to support others in need. Because of my work, I’ve been able to help others attend school and ensure that there’s food on the table for my family. Though I don’t live in Cazale, I’ve grown to love the area—especially the river that runs through the village. In a time when many clinics and hospitals in Haiti have been forced to close due to gang activity, RHFH has remained open, continuing to provide vital services to thousands of people. This stability is a blessing to so many in need.

I am also a Christian and attend a Methodist church near my home. My faith keeps me grounded in this work, and I would ask that you pray for me and my family as we navigate life’s challenges. I hope to remain healthy and continue serving my patients with excellence. One day, I would like to go back to school and advance my education so that I can contribute even more to the community I serve. Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the RHFH team and to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.