On Stand Up to Cancer Day, we are honored to share the courageous story of Dina Florvilus, a 27-year-old woman from Les Cayes, Haiti, whose determination and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
Dina lives with her partner in the bustling city of Les Cayes. Like many women her age, she dreams of a long, healthy future. But earlier this year, she began experiencing serious health concerns—severe hypogastric pain (pain in the lower abdomen) and metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding outside of her regular menstrual cycle).
At first, Dina wasn’t sure what was happening to her body. Then, after attending a cervical cancer awareness session hosted by Hope for Haiti’s healthcare team, she made the life-saving decision to get tested.
The results were not what she expected: her Schiller test (a diagnostic test that uses a special iodine solution to detect precancerous changes on the cervix) came back positive. Doctors also discovered she had a severe genitourinary infection (an infection affecting the reproductive and urinary systems).
Despite the shock, Dina didn’t lose hope. She received treatment from a gynecologist, including prescribed medications and follow-up lab tests. Then, under the care of our Healthcare team, she underwent thermocoagulation—a treatment that uses heat to remove precancerous lesions from the cervix before they can progress into cancer.
“I know that without this screening test, I could have died young from cervical cancer,” Dina shared. “I am determined to keep all of my appointments until I am fully recovered.”
Dina is deeply grateful for the care she received at Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE), and for the donors who made it possible. She urges other women in her community to take action, too:
“Every woman should get screened. It’s so important to detect potential risks early. Be vigilant, take care of your health, and if you notice anything unusual, go to the hospital right away.”
Why Stories Like Dina’s Matter
In Haiti, too many women face barriers to essential cancer screenings and treatments. Cervical cancer, which is highly preventable and treatable when caught early, continues to claim lives simply because women do not have access to timely care.
Thanks to your generosity, Hope for Haiti is expanding access to screenings, treatments, and awareness campaigns so women like Dina can stand up to cancer and reclaim their futures.
Stand With Us
This Stand Up to Cancer Day, join us in supporting women like Dina. Your gift helps provide:
- Life-saving cancer screenings and treatments
- Access to vital medications
- Education and awareness to prevent future cases
Donate today and stand with Dina—and with every woman fighting for her health and her future.
