Judelin Meritus, age 16, died from hepatitis at 4 a.m. on Feb. 1 in a crowded hospital in Haiti.
His death might have gone unnoticed by me had it not been that we just returned from Haiti a few weeks ago and I remember laughing and playing soccer on the beach with Judelin.
My family and I had the privilege of visiting Haiti for three weeks over Christmas. We had the privilege of visiting the safe house run by Morgan Wienberg’s organization, Little Footprints Big Steps, and seeing some of the incredible work that Morgan is doing.
During our time in Haiti we visited the two boys that we sponsor, met their family, took them to the beach and a restaurant, and spent a bit of time getting to know them. We saw that every penny that we had donated was used for exactly what we had asked for: bicycles, chickens, school fees, food.
When Judelin died, he died with Morgan by his side, holding his hand. He died despite receiving medical care. He died with dignity. His friends, other street kids from the safe house, were able to attend his funeral. He died knowing how it felt to be loved and cared for.
All of this is thanks to Morgan and Little Footprints Big Steps.
I urge you to visit littlefootprintsbigsteps.com, to look at the faces of the children, and to find it in your heart to help them.
May Judelin rest in peace.
Dave Weir
Haines Junction