Fundraiser Part 2 for Family of Anne-Rose Euzebe

ASKING FOR YOUR HELP FOR A HAITIAN FAMILY IN MOURNING

Anne-Rose was a strong advocate for women's and farmers' rights and a 10-year member of the Haitian grassroots organization known as MPA (Peasants' Movement of Acul) in Northern Haiti. As colleagues on a work trip for the non-profit Women Thrive, we had the honor of meeting Anne-Rose on our last trip to Haiti in September of 2013. She was one of 30 Haitian women who participated in a 3-day gender advocacy training that Women Thrive co-organized.

We both liked Anne-Rose right away. She had this incredible patience, inner strength and sense of grace about her. This was especially impressive considering that she was 6 months pregnant at the time. This  meant something in particular for Elise. She herself had traveled to Haiti two years earlier to participate in a training when she was 6 months pregnant. She remembers how nervous her family had been about her going. And so, we both tried to touch base with Anne-Rose throughout the 3 days to help make sure she was comfortable.

Anne-Rose told us that it was worth the travel knowing that she could become a stronger leader and fight for the rights of women and children in her community. She had a 13-year old daughter named Darlene, and a 9-year old son named Chrislove. She wanted to do everything in her power to build a better Haiti for them.

On our last few days in Haiti, we got to travel to the North and visit with Anne-Rose, Doudou Pierre, the Executive Director of MPA, and the members of MPA. It was obvious how much the MPA community looked up to Anne-Rose as head of the women’s chapter. As we hugged goodbye, Anne-Rose told us that she would pray for our safe travels and happy homecoming with our families. We told her we would pray for her family and for the important work that she was doing with MPA.

Receiving bad news

On November 4, we were deeply shocked and saddened to learn that Anne-Rose, and her baby, both died due to complications in childbirth. This is too common a story in Haiti, as well as in communities around the world. Women die needless deaths due to lack of sufficient healthcare services and economic means. But this time, it wasn’t an unknown person or statistic. It was our friend, Anne-Rose.

Since Anne-Rose was the family’s main breadwinner, her husband Darkin must now face impossible choices on how to pay for funeral costs, keep food on the table and ensure that both kids stay in school. MPA is doing everything possible to offer support, but the organization has limited resources. Therefore, we are trying to raise personal funds to help support the family during this difficult transition.

Asking for your help

We ask that you consider making a small contribution to Anne-Rose’s family, to be administered through MPA. Having collectively worked with MPA for over 3 years now, we have deep trust in this organization. MPA’s Director, Doudou Pierre, has put a committee together to ensure proper disbursement and reporting on these funds. We ourselves will follow up to track the funds as well.

Thank you so much for considering making even a small $10 contribution. And if you aren’t able to make a  donation, we ask for your prayers. Either contribution is a wonderful way of being in solidarity with Anne-Rose’s family and the members of MPA. It shows our brothers and sisters in Haiti that we are all part of one global family.

Peace and blessings,

 Elise Young and Chrissy Hart