Anaika, despite her limited mobility, never stops smiling. If you find yourself passing through Pancho Mateo and catch a glimpse of a bright, joyful spark, you’ll know it’s Anaika lighting up the place.

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

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 (delicious fried flour cakes) at the market and took on other small jobs to support her family.

“My father lives in Haiti,” Anaguita says, expressing her hope to bring him to the Dominican Republic. However, due to her circumstances, it has not been possible. In a sad pause, she adds, “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 back as much as he did for us.”

Anaika has four children, but it is her daughter Kakaina who takes care of her.

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

More than a best friend, Maritza 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,” Anaika says, trying to hold in her laughter.

When the two best friends aren’t twinning in outfits or chatting over coffee, they gather with other neighbors to spend time together and discuss politics, gas prices, and who has the better sazón: Maritza or Anagüita.

Today, Anaika is unable to work due to her age and health condition. Approximately 11 years ago, she suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which made it difficult for her to do the activities and tasks she once did.

During one of Health Horizons International’s clinics, Anaika was seen by one of our volunteer doctors, who diagnosed her with hypertension. She was later enrolled in the Chronic Care Program, joining dozens of other patients living with chronic non-communicable diseases who receive medication, follow-up care from a health promoter, and visits from a family doctor, along with 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.”

Despite her limited mobility, Anaika doesn’t let negativity get to her. If you ever see a bright light while traveling through Montellano, it’s probably the brightest smile in Pancho Mateo.