Real Stories
Here are just a few of the children's stories that have been changed for the better:
Amoti, Barrack, Brenda, Betty, Edward, Fred, Jessica, Martin, Paul,
 Amoti is a two year old who needed to be incubated at birth in order to receive enough oxygen. His parents realized that child Amoti could not follow moving objects placed right in front of his face. While medical tests were suggested, his parents were not able to afford the tests. Amoti developed muscle tightness and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition which may restrict exploratory behaviors such as object manipulation and locomotion. He is unable to sit, stand, feed himself and is non-verbal. Currently Amoti is developing his ability to sit and roll. A supportive device provided by Spring of Hope has assisted him in regards to sitting. Amoti stays with his maternal grandmother and four other siblings who go to school. His parents are not consistently home, which makes consistent therapy difficult for Spring of Hope's impact to be felt quickly. Amoti is also frequently struck by malaria because he does not sleep under a mosquito net. Many of our children are in need of nets. Please click donate if you wish to donate a net. |
Barrack is a nine year old boy who fell ill with cerebral malaria at a young age. Before his illness he was a typical developing boy. Malaria effected his brain and central nervous system, resulting in physical disability. Barrack cannot speak, so he communicates with his mother (primary caregiver) by crying and making different noises. His level of understanding is limited. His grandmother has learned to understand his communication as well as his needs. Barrack loves to sing; he ‘hums’ along with his grandmother and radio at any opportunity. Malaria also left Barrack unable to walk or stand. Barrack used to spend most of his time either on the floor, on his back, or on his side before having a wheelchair. Spring of Hope provided him with a wheelchair, and he can now sit. Barrack can grab objects and eat solid foods by himself, such as Matooke (banana) or cassava. (Matooke and cassava are staples in the Ugandan diet.) It is important that Barrack is as independent as possible. His mother is very patient and understanding. She gives Barrack the opportunity to be as independent as possible. |
 Brendawas a ten-year-old girl who has Cerebral Palsy that was the result of malaria. Brenda got a high fever and malaria as an infant. After malaria treatment her mother noticed that her muscle tone had increased, she was unable to sit and had difficulties with eating. We sadly lost Brenda in November of 2011 at the age of ten years old. Kids with CP often have feeding challenges and are not able to fight illness as well as kids without Cerabral Palsy. We are thankful for the time we had getting to know Brenda and her mom who compassionately cared for her daughter. |
Betty  is 14 years old, and is like many children we have met over the years who have Cerebral Palsy. She has difficulties with feeding. When we met her she was very sick and close to death. Betty was stabilized at a local nutrition unit. Her difficulty with feeding is a daily struggle. Betty is lucky to have a sponsor who financially supports her so she gets adequate nutrition. We need more people to sponsor children like Betty. |
 Edward
is seven years old and appears to be developing mild scoliosis and septic arthritis in his hip. This may have been caused by poor hygiene following a routine injection. Spring of Hope visiting staff constantly remind families of basic health issues, however conditions are very difficult in the rural locations. |
Fred  is an 18-year-old boy with a large mass within his upper trunk/spine, which has caused subsequent disability and deformity. He has had numerous investigations (ex.to rule out TB), but the exact nature of the mass is still unknown. The mass has resulted in paralysis from the waist down, which means he is unable to walk. Fred has a wheelchair which is used to move longer distances. He uses his incredible upper body strength to move himself around on his hands for shorter distances. Fred is the oldest male in his family, and his father left his mother. He has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders; he helps care for a number of younger siblings. Fred presently attends school where he is doing very well. However, he also has a talent for mending and repairing shoes. This is something he does during the school holidays, but also occasionally during the school terms to make an extra income for himself and his family. Fred is now at school, and he is doing well with his studies. While Spring of Hope has helped Fred, Fred recently helped Spring of Hope by acting as a translator and sharing his story with parents at one of our Parish Clinics. |
 Jessica
In 2005 we met Jessica and found her situation to be very unlike one we had ever come across before. She had no bone between her ankles, and her knee joint was attached to her feet through cartilage. This led to her being unable to walk properly. Jessica's Auntie Kato also had a similar condition as Jessica. Between February 2006 and September 2006 the family contemplated operations. In November Jessica and her Auntie Kato had the operations. Sadly Kato died from complications - this was the first child we lost through surgery. Now Jessica is walking, her feet point backwards to help her balance. She is doing well and had her first visit back to the village recently where her family was rejoicing. Next month she will move back to her home from Besania. |
| Martin
was born prematurely and incubated for the first month of life. At two 
months he became jaundice which left him floppy. He struggled
to
crawl, sit and stand independently due to abnormal muscle tone.
He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and then began
occupational
therapy. He is now able to sit with supported seating without
assistance from an adult. Martin's cognitive and
communication
abilities are age appropriate; he still needs support with eating and
playing with toys. Martin's mom abandoned him, yet his father and
grandmother have remained as his caretakers. His father
adores
him! Martin is always surrounded by friends at school, where
he
is always laughing or smiling! |
 Paul
is a 19 year old boy, who had cerebral malaria at the age of two which was treated at Kayunga Hospital. On discharge, Paul remained floppy and could not talk and walk. His mother visited a number of health centers for review so that he could get therapy. Paul stays with his grandmother who has limited knowledge of Paul’s early childhood illnesses. She could only say that her grandson had severe malaria in his early days. At the age of 19, Paul is still dependent on all ADL (Activities of Daily Living). His grandmother has limited ability to till the land and grow food for her and her child. Paul therefore does not have enough to eat and is thus malnourished. You can support Paul or another child by conatacing us or by donating directly. |
| Zechariah is such a loveable little boy whose face lights up whenever you come to visit.  He
enjoys drawing and colouring, but his
most
favourite thing is stringing beads on a shoelace. Zechariah was
born
normal, but because of malaria his legs became physically paralysed.
He developed clubfoot
and was only able to walk with crutches.He has recently had his legs plastered and helped into the right shape. His feet are now at the point of straightening through the support of leg braces. We are looking forward to the time where he is no longer walking with crutches. He is now at Kisega School and he is very happy to have a sponsor who is helping him to study. |
