Teen Who Survived Haitian Earthquake Gives Back to the Hospital That Saved Him
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jamesly-jesse-haiti-earthquake-survivor-070125-1-4e3c725cc1814ec98421ee36af514ccf.jpg)
Jamesly Jesse, a 16-year-old Eagle Scout living in Illinois, has a remarkable story of resilience and gratitude. At just 2 years old, Jamesly was left orphaned by a devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. Rescued from the rubble, he was taken to a Haitian hospital where he crossed paths with Mary Jesse, an American physical therapist who would later become his adoptive mother. Now, years later, Jamesly has not only thrived but has also embarked on a mission to give back to the hospital that played a crucial role in saving his life.
Mary Jesse’s visit to a hospital in Milot, Haiti, post-earthquake in 2010 led to a life-changing encounter with young Jamesly. As a volunteer physical therapist, Mary was moved by the perseverance and spirit of the 2-year-old orphan who had endured unimaginable hardships. Witnessing how beloved the child was by the hospital staff, Mary, along with her husband Nathan, made the decision to adopt Jamesly and bring him to their home in Illinois. Fast forward to today, and Jamesly has grown into an exceptional young man with a heart of gold.
Despite not remembering much about the horrific events he survived in Haiti, Jamesly’s commitment to giving back shines through. His recent initiative to raise funds, pack, and ship thousands of meals to Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Haiti showcases his dedication to helping others in need. Reflecting on his project, Jamesly humbly stated that it’s not about the recognition but about ensuring people understand the importance of supporting those facing food insecurity.
Arriving in Moweaqua, Illinois, at the age of 4, Jamesly quickly adapted to his new environment and community. Embraced by locals and finding a sense of belonging through activities like tee-ball and scouting, Jamesly began his journey of service and philanthropy. His ambitious goal of raising funds to send meals to Haiti not only surpassed expectations but also brought together hundreds of volunteers in a collective effort to make a difference.
The impact of Jamesly’s charitable efforts reverberated through both his local community and the staff at Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Haiti. Recognised for his outstanding service project, Jamesly received the prestigious 2025 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. Despite the accolades, Jamesly remains grounded and focused on his desire to continue contributing to society, particularly in the realm of food planning.
As he looks towards the future, Jamesly expresses a keen interest in furthering his education in food planning while staying true to his roots. While the current political climate in Haiti poses challenges for his return, Jamesly remains hopeful about one day making a meaningful impact in his home country. Driven by his unwavering faith and generosity, Jamesly Jesse exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and compassion, inspiring those around him to follow in his footsteps.
In a world often plagued by adversity, Jamesly’s story serves as a beacon of hope and positivity, reminding us of the enduring impact of kindness and goodwill. As he continues to make strides in his philanthropic endeavors, Jamesly sets an example for young individuals everywhere, proving that no act of generosity is too small to make a difference.