02/04/2026
My name is Catherine Duré. I am 39 years old and I am from Mizak. I am a joyful person who loves people deeply. I enjoy helping others, taking part in community activities, riding motorcycles, cooking, working with computers, and above all, I love children.
My life journey has not been an easy one, but it has shaped who I am today. When I was a student in PauP, I lived far from my immediate family. Getting to school was difficult because I had no private transportation. Someone helped me with rides and sometimes with food, but sadly, that person took advantage of my situation. I became pregnant by him at only sixteen years old.
When he offered me money to end the pregnancy, I refused. I chose to keep my baby, even though it meant putting my education on hold. My father did not accept the news, and I had to leave home. After being turned away by several people, a friend in Jacmel welcomed me. I returned to school and. To care for my baby, I did any work I could find—cleaning houses and washing dishes while completing my education. The child’s father never took responsibility.
Today, my son is a talented and promising musician with a passion for electronics. He loves me deeply, and I am incredibly proud of the young man he is becoming.
Twenty years later, I chose to have another child—this time under very different circumstances. I met my current partner, and we have been together for five years. He understood my past, accepted me as I am, and stood by my side. Together, we welcomed our daughter which is my second child.
During this pregnancy, my brother encouraged me to visit the Felisane Health Center in my community. From my very first visit, I was welcomed with warmth and kindness and enrolled in the Start Right program, where I felt supported and cared for.
I planned to give birth at Felisane, but one Wednesday I experienced severe pain. Because there was no gynecologist, I was advised to go to Jacmel. There, doctors immediately decided I needed an emergency cesarean section. On December 18, 2025, my baby girl was born healthy.
Today, I returned to the Felisane Health Center for my daughter’s vaccinations. She is receiving five vaccines to protect her from illnesses.
Looking back, I am grateful—for the people who stood by me, for the lessons life taught me, and for the strength I discovered within myself. I do not encourage anyone to have children without being prepared or without support. I strongly encourage others to seek care at Felisane. I live in this area, and access to quality healthcare close to home matters. With more services, Felisane can continue to better serve our community.
