Sammy K is hanging in there. I have not been able to find out if he's on the right medicine but I'm just hoping that he is. He is eating well, but very tired of not being able to communicate. Imagine.
I have heard from PEPFAR, most likely my return will be sometime in April. In the meantime I continue to do presentations wherever I'm asked. People have been so generous, we still need some more funding but I think we will meet our goal.
The coolest thing is that I've been able to present in 2 schools, with one more scheduled. All the schools are doing fund raising, so it's not just adults with checkbooks it's American kids helping Kenyan kids. What can be better than that for everyone?
(remember Nyumbani.org in the comment section earmark the funds for Visit US)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sammy News (especially for Dylan)
I got an email today from Sr. Julie at Nyumbani. I had sent her the suggestions, thoughts etc from Dr. Jim Conway, Pediatric Infectious Disease doc I work with. He thought one of a couple of different viruses were possibly causing the paralysis and other problems and he was right! He tested positive for CMV (cytomegalovirus) long name, but eventually treatable. He will need short term IV antiviral (not anti hiv med, another class of anti viral) and then long term oral therapy. The good news is that the damage is reversible if he gets the right treatment which Nyumbani will see that he does. Hopefully, all this will be done in time. He is not out of the woods, still needs your prayers and your love, but there is a light shining on him now.
I will keep you all informed. It truly takes a village to raise these children. But, they are so worth the effort!
I will keep you all informed. It truly takes a village to raise these children. But, they are so worth the effort!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Latest News
Lots to tell you about. I really hope people are still reading, I know I haven't been posting much but it's been hard getting the news. First, safety issues. Kids in Nyumbani and Village are all safe, kids in slums still continue to struggle. I heard this morning that Rosalia's family has been displaced and her brother shot. They are trying to get me more details. I can't even imagine how frightened she is.
The Americans are all safe, still doing their work. PEPFAR is still working on my project plans and return. The money has been budgeted but my return is at minimum weeks away. So frustrating.
Negotiations with the government for a political solution are ongoing and seem somewhat promising. Nothing like African politics!
One of the D boys, Sammy K is not doing well. It appears he lost sight in his right eye a few weeks ago and last Sunday became paralyzed on his right side, can't speak and has right hand tremors. He is sleeping a lot and appears to not be in any pain. When he's awake he eats and drinks, but really can't communicate. He is the most loving sweet not complaining boy. I will never understand why the children of Kenya suffer so much. His ARVS are not containing his virus anymore. I can't bear the thought of losing another Cottage D boy. I don't know how the kids will ever recover, how they can suffer so much loss and still go on.
I am continuing my fund raising to bring them here for a visit, I am blessed with all your generosity and I pray that Sammy recovers and gets to come too. My heart will be so lightened when I turn them over to American doctors.
To donate go to Nyumbani.org and earmark funds for Visit US!
Good family news: it's a girl! on the way for Elizabeth and Brandon and Ali has also been accepted at UW Medical School. Officer Tim and Liz are the proud owners of a beagle puppy named Bailey. Little boy is talking and growing like a weed. All my kids could actually be back in Wisconsin, while I'm in Kenya!
The Americans are all safe, still doing their work. PEPFAR is still working on my project plans and return. The money has been budgeted but my return is at minimum weeks away. So frustrating.
Negotiations with the government for a political solution are ongoing and seem somewhat promising. Nothing like African politics!
One of the D boys, Sammy K is not doing well. It appears he lost sight in his right eye a few weeks ago and last Sunday became paralyzed on his right side, can't speak and has right hand tremors. He is sleeping a lot and appears to not be in any pain. When he's awake he eats and drinks, but really can't communicate. He is the most loving sweet not complaining boy. I will never understand why the children of Kenya suffer so much. His ARVS are not containing his virus anymore. I can't bear the thought of losing another Cottage D boy. I don't know how the kids will ever recover, how they can suffer so much loss and still go on.
I am continuing my fund raising to bring them here for a visit, I am blessed with all your generosity and I pray that Sammy recovers and gets to come too. My heart will be so lightened when I turn them over to American doctors.
To donate go to Nyumbani.org and earmark funds for Visit US!
Good family news: it's a girl! on the way for Elizabeth and Brandon and Ali has also been accepted at UW Medical School. Officer Tim and Liz are the proud owners of a beagle puppy named Bailey. Little boy is talking and growing like a weed. All my kids could actually be back in Wisconsin, while I'm in Kenya!
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