Like a Daughter: Powered by You
Welcome to “Powered by You!”
In this blog series, we share stories of the impact donors like you make possible in Haiti – interviews with Heartline’s clients, behind-the-scenes information from staff, and on-the-ground reporting from a Haitian perspective.
Each “Powered by You” story was originally published as part of Fanmi Ansanm, Heartline’s global family of recurring donors. Members receive an exclusive monthly newsletter, and these stories come from that newsletter – at least one year after they were originally shared. If you want to get the latest, and grow your impact in Haiti, then consider joining our Fanmi Ansanm – our “family together.”
Like a Daughter: Powered by You
by Aljany Narcius. Originally published June 2025.
She is 22, in a small and modest room, her hand resting gently on her rounded belly. “I didn’t think I’d get this chance again,” she says softly, her eyes glistening. "After what happened, I thought God had closed that door for good."
As a teenager, Michaëlle became pregnant by a boyfriend who wanted no part in fatherhood. “He told me it wasn’t his. I was scared, ashamed, and alone," she says.
Raised in a conservative household in Bon Repos, pregnant and unmarried, Michaëlle felt she had nowhere to turn. Out of desperation, she ended the pregnancy. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever lived through," she says. “I thought I’d never forgive myself. I thought maybe God wouldn't either."
That was years ago now. Since then, she’s been through a lot of change, and so has Haiti. The world around her is harsher. It is by any measure a more dangerous, more difficult time to bring a child into the world. And now, amid the destruction, in the shadow of a brutal gang war, there comes another positive pregnancy test.
But this time, she wasn’t alone. "It’s his first child," she says with a shy smile. "He’s so proud. He tells everyone." He’s an electromechanical engineer who also does screen printing to make ends meet. They’re not married – yet – and she isn’t currently working, but she says their small household is built on hope, and now, on expectation.
Not everyone shared the excitement. When her parents found out she was pregnant again, they asked her to leave their home. She moved in with the baby’s father. "It hurt, but I don’t blame them. I was raised in their faith. I understand. And I also believe God is still walking with me, even if the path looks different now."
Michaëlle began prenatal care at the Heartline Maternity Center in Port-au- Prince – a decision she says has changed her life. "I’ve never regretted coming to Heartline. From the first day, I felt respected. I felt seen. Here, I’m not judged. I’m loved. I feel like a daughter."
For Michaëlle, the center has been more than medical support, it’s been spiritual healing. "When I hear my baby’s heartbeat during my checkups, I thank God. I say, ‘You didn’t abandon me. You still trust me to be a mother.’" She says she’s grateful to the many donors who keep Heartline’s services affordable – or free. "To those who give, even if you don’t know me—I thank you. You’re helping women like me believe in themselves again. Believe in life again. Thank you for seeing us, for valuing us, for giving without asking for anything back."
As the months pass, Michaëlle prepares for a future that once seemed impossible. She’s choosing names, folding baby clothes, and making plans. "This baby is my second chance. I can’t wait to hold him. I want to tell him, ‘You were wanted. You were loved. Before you were born, people I never met helped make sure you’d arrive safely.’"
And even as she navigates life without her family’s immediate support, Michaëlle says she feels surrounded by something greater. “God didn’t leave me. Heartline didn’t leave me. This baby didn’t leave me. I’m not alone.”
As always, thank you for investing in Haitian families with Heartline. If you’d like to support moms like Michaëlle and the Heartline Maternity Center, click here.
If you’d like to make an even bigger impact, and get stories like these straight to your inbox as soon as they’re released, become a member of Fanmi Ansanm!
About the Author
Aljany Narcius
Haitian journalist Aljany Narcius is currently pursuing a Master 2 in Media Management, online from France’s University of Lille. With ten years of experience in the fields of journalism and communication, Aljany is a linguist who uses the Creole language as her weapon in the fight against social inequalities, exploitation, and all kinds of violence.
Editorial and additional writing provided by the Heartline Haiti team.
