My Name is Rose Joseph. I am very fond of helping people in need, just like most of you reading this note. Recently, my dear friend Myriame Pierre-Louis and myself have learned of a good friend of ours, member of Kiwo d'Haiti and, currently living in Haiti, is battling prostate cancer. He's been suffering for 2 years and is struggling to survive with this diagnosis. This young man is going through a difficult time in his life. Although safety is an issue, he is still willing to go for treatments, but without the funds, it's not possible. He has to go through 12 chemo sessions, and then the surgery will follow. The surgery itself will cost about $40,000 Haitian dollars or 200,000 Haitian gourdes, which equals roughly 1,500 - 1,550$ US dollars. with 12 sessions of chemo before and after, the cost is 270,00 Haitian gourdes equaling ($2,000-2100$ US). Total cost will be 470,000 Haitian gourdes (which is close to 3,600 - 3,800US$ due to exchange rates fluctuation). Because the cost of life in Haiti is so harsh, we estimated that the travel back and forth to the hospital for treatment, the chemotherapy medication, and other medication that he will need cost at least 1200 US$ more which we did not include in our pledge.

I am addressing this request to you, who believe that lending a hand to someone in distress is the most powerful thing that you can do. I am speaking to you because I know you are not reading this just for the sake of reading. I am certain you are looking to help make a difference in someone's life, however you can. This amount of money apparently isn't a lot, but it will make wonders in this person's life. Moreover, it will have a positive impact on you, the donor, because you saved someone's life today.

I will keep you posted on the progress of this young man, as soon as we can raise enough for him to get at least the chemo going. I wanted to keep his Name out for security purposes.

UPDATE:

As of today, Myriame and I got the news that he has a boil in his buttocks that has worsened and is being treated. However, there was a gang riot on his block, everyone was running for their life, and unfortunately, he fell on the ground which made matter worst. Nevertheless, another friend from the KIRO d'Haiti took him to his own home and he is now living with this family. I also wanted you to know that, to keep away from confusion, we have revised the total cost which is shown from Haitian gourdes to US Dollars instead of Haitian Dollars. The amount shown in bold is the correct information. there was a miscalculation and we truly apologize. we have also edited the picture with the Kiro logo to show that our dear friend is also a member of Kiro d'Haiti, and before his illness, he took an active part in the group helping the poor, going from neighborhood to neighborhood proclaiming the good news along with other members.

I want to sincerely thank you for your support of this cause. I may not know your Name nor where you live, but I want you to know that I am very grateful to you.