At just 12 years old, Ancito Etienne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in rural Haiti. At a time when many families were forced to choose between health care and survival, Ancito’s parents found Zanmi Lasante, as PIH is known in Haiti, where he received free, lifesaving treatment.
Today, Ancito is a trustee of Partners In Health, an advocate, and a powerful voice for health care as a human right. His journey from patient to global health leader shows what’s possible when care is rooted in justice.
We’re honoured to share his words with you:
“Dear friends,
I was born and raised in Haiti. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people get sick and there’s no one there to help.
When I fell ill as a 12-year-old, I was on the brink of death and it was clear I needed medical attention. My parents realized I needed to see a doctor urgently, but unfortunately seeing a doctor at that time was not an easy task.
Hospital visits and medicine were paid out of pocket, which would have been difficult for my family. For many Haitian families, the fear of not being able to afford medical care is all-consuming.
Luckily, my family learned about Zanmi Lasante, as Partners In Health (PIH) is known in Haiti. I was able to see a Zanmi Lasante doctor for free and was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PIH promised they would do everything they could to help me with this treatable cancer.
Thanks to PIH, I was able to access care that many people in Haiti simply don’t have. That care saved my life. It’s why I eventually joined Partners In Health—and why I now serve on the Board of Trustees. It’s why I believe all people deserve more than luck and hope to survive cancer.
They deserve health care as a right, not a privilege.
That’s what PIH is working toward every day. In Haiti, Zanmi Lasante now has advanced diagnostics and can deliver chemotherapy for cancer patients.
In Rwanda, PIH has helped build one of the best cancer centers in east Africa. Across Liberia and Lesotho, we’re training clinicians and bringing services to people who’ve never had access before.
But this work depends on people like you.
Right now, your donation to Partners In Health Canada will be matched until June 30—doubling your impact for patients in places where help is hardest to reach.
We can’t erase injustice overnight. But together, we can stand up to it—with action, compassion, and commitment.
Thank you for believing, like I do, that geography should never decide who gets to live. We can decide, together.
Please give generously today.
With gratitude,
Ancito
—
Ancito Etienne
Trustee, Partners In Health
Former PIH patient and proud supporter
