Stories From The Field
Fetia Rednice
At
11 years old, Fetia Rednice only weighed 48 pounds when she arrived
at Grace Children's Hospital on June 11, 2003. During her initial
consultation, it was learned that Fetia had been ill for eight months
before coming to Grace Children's Hospital (GCH). Having been treated
at several other health clinics, with little or no improvement,
Fetia's aunt, who happened to personally know an employee at GCH,
suggested that Fetia's mother take her to Grace's outpatient clinic.
After a thorough examination, it was determined that Fetia suffered
from pulmonary tuberculosis in addition to poor general health.
She was immediately admitted to Grace's inpatient ward.
Fetia lives with her mother, Jeanette, and an older brother and
sister just outside of Port-au-Prince. Her father died three years
ago. In order to support her family, Fetia's mother works as a merchant
selling the patè (a small food item) she makes on the streets.
Before being admitted to Grace Children's Hospital, Fetia had already
completed her second year of primary school and could read a little.
Thankfully, she was able to continue her education as she attended
the Grace school with the other children at the hospital. During
her free time, Fetia could often be found sitting with a small Bible,
that she brought from home, open on her lap or even sleeping with
in her hands. Fetia always had a smile on her face and was the self-appointed
guide for visitors on the ward.
Within a month of being admitted to Grace Children's Hospital,
Fetia was already showing significant improvement. Due to the nutritious
meals and medicine provided at Grace, Fetia quickly regained her
stamina. By the time she was released, two and a half months after
her admittance (September 2003), Fetia had gained 24 pounds and
was on the road to health.
Today, Fetia's mother continues to bring her back to Grace for
follow-up visits and to refill her prescriptions. It requires eight
months of treatment to successfully cure TB, as the infection can
return and be spread to others if not fully treated. Fetia will
continue her treatment, through Grace Children's Hospital's TB outpatient
clinic, until February 2004.
