FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT The Schusters expanded their relief efforts to Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake. During one of these trips, they met Davidson St. Jean, a 15-year-old boy who’d been living in one of the island’s now infamous “tent cities,” where families are crammed into nylon enclosures with no electricity, running water, sanitation systems or privacy. St. Jean became sick with what was thought to be a migraine headache, but turned out to be an aggressive malignant tumor that had spread into his brain, and then penetrated through his right eye socket, leaving him horrifically disfigured. By the time the Schusters met the boy, another relief organization called Project Medishare had suggested he be taken to the Dominican Republic, not for lifesaving treatment, but for palliative care. The Schusters called it a “death sentence” and immediately used every connection they had to get him to South Florida, where he’d at least be given a fighting chance to beat the cancer. He was here within days. The Schusters arranged for St. Jean to receive chemotherapy and radiation treatments from physicians affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and to live with a local host family in North Lauderdale. Licensed practical nurse Wislene Etienne and her 8-yearold son welcomed him into their home. St. Jean found he adored pumpkin soup, fell in love with America and even went motorcycle riding with Dr. Schuster. He put up a good fight but, ultimately, the outpouring of medical support and love just weren’t enough. In mid-September, the lovable teen slipped into a coma. The Schusters immediately flew him back to Haiti, honoring his wish of dying in his homeland with his family nearby. His South Florida “moms,” Tess and Etienne, traveled there to attend his funeral. “We are absolutely devastated,” says Dr. Schuster. Then he chuckles, recalling taking St. Jean to see “The Avengers.”
ing into fundraising to keep their dreams alive. This includes a big event scheduled for later this month (at press time, details were unavailable). You can help the foundation by donating money, or items such as shoes, used clothing, toys, school supplies, and old laptops or other electronics, which are distributed during its missions to impoverished countries.
Tess Schuster in South Florida changing Davidson St. Jean's eye dressing
“Do I spend $10,000 on 1,000 kids—or on one kid who really has a chance of getting better? I know it is right to try to help everyone who walks through the door.”
Dr. Schuster and Davidson St. Jean having some fun
— Dr. Mitchell Schuster
Davidson St. Jean enjoying a meal
“Samuel L. Jackson is in that movie,” he says. “Here he is this cool black guy and he was wearing an eye patch. I thought Davidson was gonna come out of his seat when he saw that.” Etienne remembers a mischievous side to her young houseguest. “He pretended to be asleep when he wasn’t,” she says nostalgically. But despite the loss, she says she’d host another needy child without thinking twice. “It’s very hard but love goes on.” Tess adds, “It makes you stronger.”
TOUGH DECISIONS In the wake of working with gravely ill patients such as St. Jean, where
Dr. Schuster had to rely on local colleagues to donate their time and services, he finds himself at a heartwrenching fork in the road, not knowing which path to follow. The issue: How does the foundation best utilize the limited funds and medical services available? “Do I spend $10,000 on 1,000 kids—or on one kid who really has a chance of getting better?” he asks, clearly wishing such a decision was not necessary. “I know it is right to try to help everyone who walks through the door.” The Schusters will have to do some intense soul-searching as they attempt to answer that question. In the meantime, they’re div-
“It will all get used,” Dr. Schuster insists, adding that almost 100 percent of all financial donations go toward relief efforts, with just a small portion used to cover minimal administrative costs. For him, it’s a labor of love— not just because of his wife, who grew up in the impoverished Bicol region, but because he feels that using one’s talents and resources to help the less fortunate is what everyone should do. “Ya know, I’ve been doing charity work since I was 16 years old,” he says, adding that his father instilled in him the importance of duty and citizenship. “You don’t do it for attention or accolades. You do it because it is the right thing to do.” And while his dear father is no longer alive, Dr. Schuster thinks he’d be happy with the work he’s doing. “Considering I was the prodigal son and now this, I think he would be proud…I walk the walk and talk the talk.” O To learn more about how to help the Bicol Clinic Foundation, or for more information about its upcoming fundraiser, call 561-864-0298 or visit bicolclinic.org. NOVEMBER 2012
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