A 2-year-old orphaned in an earthquake never forgot those who pulled him from the rubble

When physical therapist Mary Jesse traveled to Haiti in 2010 to volunteer after a deadly earthquake, she never imagined her life would change forever. But inside a hospital in Milot, she met a 2-year-old earthquake survivor who had lived through the unimaginable—trapped under rubble for five days, orphaned, and badly injured.

Ten months had passed since the disaster that claimed more than 200,000 lives. Most patients had gone home.

But the toddler remained, cared for by a loving hospital staff who placed a sign by his bed that read, “Do not pick me up,” to help him build strength and learn to walk independently.

“It’s very humbling that our paths wouldn’t have crossed without the earthquake,” Mary said.

At first, Mary and her husband, Nathan, wanted to help the boy get a medical visa to receive care in the U.S.

But as they got to know him, something deeper took root. They realized they didn’t just want to help him—they wanted to raise him.

A new beginning for a young earthquake survivor

In 2013, Jamesly Jesse arrived in Moweaqua, Illinois, after the adoption was finalized.

He was four years old when he joined the small, close-knit town. It didn’t take long for him to feel at home.

“He hit the ball and everybody was clapping for him from all over the park,” Nathan recalled. “Everyone took him in, and everything just took off from there.”

Jamesly quickly adjusted to his new life. He learned the language, made friends, and embraced the feeling of belonging.

He also became known for his joyful spirit and strong sense of purpose.

From scout meetings to national recognition

Jamesly was first introduced to the Boy Scouts through school, where he quickly developed a love for outdoor adventures, teamwork, and community service.

By high school, he had become an Eagle Scout, a top honor in the program. But he wanted to do more than earn recognition—he felt a deep need to give back to the hospital in Haiti that once saved his life.

In 2023, he launched a bold plan to raise $17,500 and send 50,000 meals to Hôpital Sacré Coeur. He surpassed expectations with help from churches, schools, and local groups, eventually raising $35,000 and packing 100,000 meals.

“It’s not really about any of the accolades,” he said. “It’s about making sure people know there are other people out there.”

An earthquake survivor leads a wave of humanitarian aid

In October 2023, Jamesly organized a massive food-pack event at his school gym.

Over 400 people showed up to help. Volunteers included teachers, doctors, families, and even young children—all moved by Jamesly’s story and inspired to join the cause.

The project became one of the largest examples of youth-led humanitarian aid the town had seen.

The meals made a meaningful impact on the hospital in Haiti, which is still facing instability and food insecurity.

And for the Jesse family, the event was a decisive moment of full-circle healing.

“It is a tribute to Mary and Nathan that they took this broken, orphaned child and raised him to be such a fine young man,” Guyol said. “Jamesly is accomplished in many ways, but what I admire most about him is his strong faith and his generosity of spirit.”

Dr. Bill Guyol had met Jamesly as a child in Haiti and later reunited with him in the U.S.

Watching the once-silent toddler lead such a significant community service project left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Looking ahead with heart and purpose

Jamesly hasn’t returned to Haiti since arriving in the U.S., but he hopes to someday.

Political unrest makes it unsafe right now, but his connection to the country remains strong.

He plans to study food planning in college, hoping to support people in need through future work in hunger relief.

His focus stays on helping others, not on attention or praise.

And while his journey began as an earthquake survivor, he’s now known for something even greater—his heart for giving back.

“I have kids that look up to me,” Jamesly says, “but I know they’re going to make an impact as they grow up too.”

Watch how Jamesly, an earthquake survivor, became an Eagle Scout and led a powerful humanitarian aid mission below: