Lorge Hilaire, 29, is a young man who has been to the U.S. two years in a row for a tumor the size of 2 footballs in his neck and back.  The extreme delicacy and extend of the tumor required it to be done in 2 stages.  His surgery was done by a team at Tufts Medical Center led by Dr. Richard Wein, specialist in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck.

Lorge had been in constant pain from his tumor for many years and had lost the ability to turn his neck.  Seeing Lorge after his 2 surgeries was like looking at a walking miracle.  The contour of his back and neck are completely normal and he is able to turn his head and bend his neck.  He must wear a cervical collar for 6 months to protect his neck while his neck muscles regenerate. 

Lorge was very happy to return to Haiti in September and very grateful to the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation and the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation for their respective roles in getting him care in the U.S.

Junior Jean Louis first came to the U.S. when he was 6 years old to have surgery for a large tumor of the face which pushed his nose to one side and completely hid his mouth from the front view.  He was here for 5 months and had a major debulking of the tumor.  Because if its proximity to vital centers, the tumor could not be completely removed.  In 2007, Junior returned for more surgery.  The tumor had grown and was affecting his ability to eat.  At that time, doctors removed 90 percent of the tumor and did reconstructive surgery to his face.  Junior, now 12, has made many friends in the U.S., not the least of which are his classmates from the Oldham School in Norwood, MA where he has been enrolled all 3 of his visits.  The staff and students just wrap him up in love and support while he is with them. 

This year Junior returned for some much lesser surgeries to reconstruct a drooping lower eyelid and cheek and remove additional tumor from around his eye socket.  If Junior is alive and well today, it is thanks to the many people who have helped him along the way and to the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation which has pain for his entire hospitalization.  We are extremely grateful to all of you.

Junior returned to Haiti in August to a family that was very happy to receive him.