Jumairi and her grandmother Marisol Luna live in Semillero, a barrio of Santiago, Dominican Republic. Jumairi lives with her grandmother because both her parents are in prison. Jumairi's father murdered her older sister and Jumairi's mother was found guilty by the Dominican courts for accessory to murder. At fifteen months of age Jumairi has not had any childhood vaccinations. Her birth has not yet been registered so she has no birth certificate.

At seven years old, Karla Mirelis could not identify colors, textures, or shapes. Though she could copy words from the chalk board or school book, Karla could not read and did not know the alphabet. She was also disobedient in school and aggressive with her mother Arabel. At risk for being held back in the second grade, Karla's teacher suggested that Arabel enroll her daughter in International Child Care's Community Based Rehabilitation program.

Perwina Florian was just getting ready to celebrate her second birthday when her paternal grandmother, Marie-Jolette Chèry, brought her to Grace Children's Hospital for vital medical care. Although Perwina had appeared to be healthy when she was born, she soon became very ill. Unfortunately, Perwina's mother could not cope with having a sick infant and so abandoned her at her mother-in-law's house. Although Perwina's grandmother already had five biological children, the youngest only nine, she selflessly took her granddaughter in and began raising her as her own.

When Kenia joined International Child Care's Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program three years ago, she could do nothing for herself. At four years old Kenia could not dress herself, use the toilet or even feed herself. Her family thought that she was helpless due to a congenital birth defect that had left her without an opening in her left ear, impaired mobility on the left side, the inability to swallow solid foods and unable to speak. At the same time, Kelvin, her five year old brother, struggled with severe behavioral difficulties.

Sherlourdes Durèlus, who will turn twelve on July 24th, has been an inpatient at Grace Children's Hospital for the past two and a half months. She was admitted after being diagnosed with a severe case of tuberculosis.

Tayana Francois, a three-month-old baby girl, has been a patient at Grace Children's Hospital since February 19th. She was admitted to the inpatient ward with a severe case of tuberculosis. It is believed that Tayana contracted the disease from her grandmother who is a carrier of TB and has been treated off and on, at a non-ICC clinic, since 2000. Tayana's mother, Carmelle, brought her baby to Grace Children's Hospital due to a referral from a family friend, whose own daughter was successfully treated at the hospital a few years ago.

Emilio Marte was 6 years old when he joined International Child Care's Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program. Since he suffered from both hearing impairment and behavioral problems, initially it was very difficult for the CBR worker to make any progress with Emilio. He would not cooperate with the CBR worker and as a result, Emilio's father, Pedro, would threaten to spank him with a belt. The negative reinforcement made the situation even worse.

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.

Effective child health and survival strategies in Haiti are critical in providing hope to children and their families. As an extension of Grace Children's Hospital, ICC's Urban Community Health programs reach out into the slum areas around the hospital to provide an extensive array of health services to those who have so few resources.

Estefania Aybar was born in the small Dominican village of Batay Uno. By the time she was just three months old it was obvious to her family that she had special needs. At six months, Estephania was incapable of moving her legs or crawling like other babies her age. She was also unable to focus, as her eyes continuously darted back and forth.