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HAITIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION AGAINST CANCER, INC.SM
Helping to Save Lives and Making a Difference Through Education and Early
Detection.SM
Established in May 1997, the Haitian American Association Against Cancer, Inc., (HAAAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, especially Haitians and Haitian-Americans about early detection and the treatment of cancer.
Founding member, Jacques-Albert Calixte first became aware of the resistance of many Haitian and Haitian-Americans to seek medical attention when he visited his native Haiti back in 1990. The majority of Haitians felt that the cause behind the cancer was “voodoo” and due to strong religious beliefs, most had a distrust of modern medicine. But in 1994, when Jacques Calixte’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she refused the recommended surgery; she turned to her Church for healing and relied on ancient Haitian folklore medicine. By the time she had decided to seek proper medical attention, the cancer had spread and it was too late, she died in February 1995.
With the help of Dr. Rudolph Moise, a prominent physician in the Haitian community, (whose own father died of prostate cancer), Jacques Calixte quit his job as an accountant, and formed the HAAAC. Together, along with a dedicated staff, some cancer survivors themselves spread the word throughout the community.
