Montrealers asked to help young Shriners' patient from Haiti

Twenty dollars may not seem like a much, but Montreal journalist Sue Montgomery says it can help make all the difference for a little girl namedWaina Dorcelus.

The three-year-old Haitian girl recently arrived in Montrealwith her mom NiniDorcelus to be treated for a bone infection that destroyed the childs left tibia two years ago.

Back home in Haiti, the only treatment option for chronic osteomyelitis was amputating Wainas leg a prospect that haunted the little girl and her mom.

"She said to me, 'Mama, are you going to let them cut my leg off?'And I answered, 'No, they are not going to cut you leg,' Dorcelus told CBC News.

The girl'scase was brought to the attention of Montreals Shriners Hospital for Children, which specializes in orthopaedics.

The hospital agreed to treat Wainafree of charge.

"Itis an opportunity for us to contribute very intensely tonot only thephysical condition, but the quality of life of patients from other countries,"Sharon Brissette, Head of Nursing and Patient Services for the Shriners Hospital, told CBC News.

Montgomery was approached by contacts in Haiti to see if she could sponsor the girl and her mother during their treatment period in Montreal.

The situation resonated with the mother of two.

Imagine if your kid couldnt walk and the choice was cutting [the leg] off, she told CBC News. We were looking at amputation if she doesnt have this surgery. And in Haiti, living with an amputation is the kiss of death.

So Montgomery offered to take in Waina and her mother while the ShrinersHospital treats the girl.

You cant save the whole world, but why not help somebody if you can? And I think were very privileged here [in Canada], she said.

Now shes asking other Montrealers to get involved and help the twowhile theyre here.

Montgomery refers to it as building a team.

A team that can get this kid through this ordeal, get her walking and get her back to Haiti, Montgomery said.

Montgomery said contributions can range from money to offers to drive Waina and and her mother to two medical appointments every week.

As to cash donations, Montgomery says $20 is what she normally recommends.

Thats how much we spend on Starbucks in a couple of days And its amazing how much money you can raise with [donations of] $20, she said.

Anyone interested in helping Waina and her mother can contact Montgomery at her Gazette email address.