Several years ago, a neurosurgeon supported by Americares Medical Outreach Program removed a brain tumor from an 8-year-old girl in Honduras. Unfortunately, because of how the tumor was positioned, Marcela had permanent endocrine dysfunction that left her unable to control her urine.

But thanks to the medicine Marcela received from Americares and sanofi-aventis U.S., today she’s a healthy, happy teenager leading a normal life. The desmopressin acetate tablets she received, known as DDAVP, is a synthetic hormone that keeps the problem in check. It’s a life-changing prescription medication that her family of modest means could never afford to purchase.

Marcela’s inspiring story is just one example of how Americares and sanofi-aventis U.S. partner to improve lives all over the globe. Since 1999 sanofi-aventis U.S. (formed by the merger of Sanofi Synthelabo and Aventis) has donated $94.5 million worth of medicines and supplies to Americares for people in need worldwide – including $10 million worth of DDAVP. The company’s product donations have reached recipients in 75 countries including Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Liberia.

Many of sanofi-aventis U.S.’ product donations are sent to survivors of horrific natural disasters that caused unbelievable destruction and left thousands of survivors in need. When a devastating cyclone ravaged Myanmar in 2008, sanofi-aventis U.S. responded with a generous offer of medicines for survivors including enough Lasix to treat 300 patients with high blood pressure and kidney disease for one year.

More recently, when Haiti was battered by a series of hurricanes and tropical storms and massive flooding cut off access to food and medicines, sanofi-aventis U.S. was swift to respond to an appeal for donations. The company shipped $42,000 worth of its Lasix tablets, which are used to treat high blood pressure and kidney problems, directly to Miami where Americares was preparing an emergency airlift for the more than 800,000 people affected.

“Lasix is one of the most highly sought-after medicines in the aftermath of emergencies, and sanofi-aventis U.S. goes above and beyond to ensure it gets into the hands of those who need it most,” said Randy Weiss of Americares Corporate Relations Department. “We’re able to improve the lives of so many of the world’s most vulnerable people because of partners like sanofi-aventis U.S.”