A KIDNEY FOR BiBi

Robertine Francique’s life has been defined by strength, perseverance, and faith in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Born and raised in Haiti, Robertine lost her mother when she was just four years old. She grew up moving from home to home with relatives, often without the care or stability every child deserves. Despite the many obstacles she faced, she held onto hope for a better life.

In 2015, Robertine began experiencing severe health issues, including unexplained bleeding. Medical care in Haiti was extremely limited, and she was repeatedly given antibiotics without proper diagnosis or treatment. Her condition worsened, but she never gave up.

In 2023, the Biden administration announced a policy that allowed U.S. residents to apply to bring family members to safety. Robertine’s relative, Vanessa, applied for her in August 2023, and by what can only be described as a miracle, she was approved. Shortly after arriving in the United States, Robertine was hospitalized for a month in September 2023, where doctors finally discovered the cause of her illness: polycystic kidney disease (PKD). She was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure.

Since January 2024, Robertine has been undergoing dialysis three times a week for four hours each session. Despite her serious health challenges, she continues to work part-time.

Every day is a struggle, but Robertine’s determination never wavers. She is deeply grateful to be in the United States, where she has access to the life-saving care that would not have been available to her in Haiti.

Now, Robertine’s greatest hope is to find a kidney donor who can give her the gift of life. Your support—by sharing her story, getting tested as a potential donor, or contributing to her care—can help make that hope a reality.