Dameus

One Sunday morning in late April, Lynn Ann’s and my dear friend, Danita Estrella, asked me to take a look at a young man in great need.  His name was Dameus, and what I saw was beyond anything I’d ever seen in my life.  As Dameus sat there in a plastic chair ~ swatting flies from the top of his head with a red bandana ~ I was totally unprepared for what I saw.  A gaping swollen mass of flesh protruded from the center of his head, and you could smell the infection from two feet away.  It was a huge open wound that made his head appear if it had actually exploded.

There are many subsequent stories that I can share with you regarding Dameus’ condition, but for the moment I just want you to absorb the impact of the helplessness of those who suffer in Haiti.  Nearly everyone in Haiti suffers; but some suffer more than others.  Dameus has certainly received an extra share of sorrow by any measure you use.  His mother told us there had been a problem with his head since Dameus was an infant, but seven months ago the large growth on his head broke open.  She also told us this twenty-one-year-old young man cried himself to sleep almost every night from the pain he suffered.

We are working with Danita to try and help Dameus receive the operation and treatment that he desperately needs and will save his life.  I will share more with you over the coming week or so to see if any of you might want to work together with us toward saving Dameus’ life.