The initial humanitarian response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti has been impressive. Within weeks, Americans pledged over $500 million to the relief effort, almost equaling their response to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It’s been estimated that half of all American families have donated to Haiti relief.
Marie Sylsalve cradled her ten-day-old son McAnley and reflected on the past weeks that have taken an almost incomprehensible toll on her family and nation.
She last saw her husband Andre in the moments immediately following the January 12 earthquake that struck Haiti, hitting its capital especially hard. The family’s home was destroyed and Sylsalve saw a wall fall on Andre. She presumes he is dead. Twelve days later she gave birth in the ruins.