La sonrisa más brillante de Pancho Mateo

The blue doors of a picturesque house open in the community of Pancho Mateo, and our dear Anaguita appears, who receives us with great joy. Between friendly conversations, good vibes, and hugs, she pulls out a chair for us so we can talk.

Anaika Toussaint, whom we affectionately call “Anagüita”, was born in Haiti, and later immigrated to the Dominican Republic at the age of 20.

She has worked very hard throughout her life. She used to sell fresh vegetables, coffee, and yaniquecas (deliciouuuuuus fried flour cakes) at the market and did other small tasks in order to support her family.

Anaguita says, “My father lives in Haiti,” who she hopes to move to the Dominican Republic, but due to her situation it has not been possible. In a sad pause, she commented, “I wish I could work and earn money to bring my father and take care of him because when I was a child, he worked hard to support us. My biggest wish is to give him back as much as he did for us.”

Anaika has 4 children, but Kakaina, her daughter, is the one who takes care of her.

During our visit to Anaika, she was accompanied by her best friend Maritza.

Maritza, more than her best friend, is a sister that "life gave her." “Most of the time we fight, but we are always together. I hate her, but I love her,” said Anaika, trying to hold in her laughter.  

When the two best friends are not twinning with outfits or chatting over coffee, they meet with other neighbors to spend time and discuss politics, the prices of gas, and who has a better sazon: Maritza or her.

Today, Anaika does not have the ability to work, both because of her age and her health condition. Approximately 11 years ago she suffered a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) which made it difficult to do some activities and tasks she used to.

During one of the Health Horizons International clinics, Anaika was visited by one of our volunteer doctors who diagnosed her with hypertension and was later enrolled in the Chronic Care Program. In this program, Anaika joined the dozens of patients living with chronic non-communicable diseases who receive medication, follow-up by a health promoter, and visits from a family doctor, as well as other services like physical therapy and emotional support.

Reflecting on the help she’s received from HHI, Anaika concludes, “I feel good — I never felt this good. I’ve always thanked Horizontes and God for all the help I get. I hope that God gives them health so that they continue working with me and also with other people, because sometimes we don't have the money to buy medicine and thanks to HHI, every month we have medicine without knowing how much it costs to buy it. I just know I’m good and taken care of.”

Anaika, despite her limited mobility, doesn’t let negativity affect her. If you ever see a bright light while traveling through Montellano, it must be the brightest smile in Pancho Mateo.