Hope for healing brings Haitian girl to the Bay

By Linda DeVries
Compass Correspondent

	READY FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE: Twenty-two month old Samantha David was born with a severe cleft palate that could not be repaired in her native Haiti. Here she is shown prior to a trip to Green Bay in January, with her mother, Elmida Chery. In Green Bay, the repair surgery was donated by local medical personnel and St. Vincent Hospital. The trip was funded by members of St. Matthew Parish. (Submitted photo)

Wisconsin is a long way from home for 22-month-old Samantha David, who arrived here from Haiti in early January. When she returns to her native land, her life will be radically changed, thanks to the compassion of some special folks from St. Matthew Parish and members of the Green Bay medical community.

Samantha, who was born with a severe cleft palate, needed surgery that was not available in Haiti. She came to the attention of Tim and Christy Healy-Zahner, who spent the last year doing mission work in St. Helene, a mountain village in Haiti. When they returned to the United States on Jan. 1, they brought Samantha and her mother, Elmida Chery, with them.

Christy's mother, Denice Healy, had paved the way for her arrival. She spoke with Drs. Michael Janitch and William Dierburg, both plastic surgeons, who agreed to perform Samantha's surgery for free.

"They agreed to do the surgery even though they had only seen photographs of Samantha," Denice said. "St. Vincent Hospital agreed to let them use their facilities without cost, and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Johnson, also donated his services. When it turned out that Samantha would need plugs inserted into her ears prior to surgery, we called on Dr. James Clemens, an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Dr. John Taylor, who is a pediatrician, handled Samantha's general care, doing all her blood work and treating her for other health conditions."

On Jan. 7, the surgeons closed the opening on the roof of Samantha's mouth. The following week they repaired her upper lip.   Full story ...

	Mass Times 2003 Fall / Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 5 issue)

Bishop's Appeal 2004 • Diocese helps engaged prepare for marriage     Family Life Office works with parishes to assist couples in learning skills     for marriage   • Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal Previous articles ... from the Feb. 6, 2004 issue: • Appeal theme mirrors Catholic way of life     Believers are called to offer a helping hand to Appeal and daily • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David A. Zubik --     Blockbuster action and beyond     Offering a helping hand at a cold time in someone's life

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    February 15, 2004: Choose unlimited hope over resignation

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    February 15, 2004: Faith in the resurrection is the key

 • Editorial -- Ending poverty
    Americans need to learn more about poverty, so we can act to eliminate it

 • Editorial -- Family project helps others
    Operation Rice Bowl needs your support

 • Eye on the Capitol --
    Catholics need to strongly articulate their view of marriage

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    A missionary in cold climes
    Sigfrid came up against anti-Christian gangs in Norway

 • Calendar of Events