--Wickliff Wesonga is a 12 year old orphan who attended Tenderfeet when he was younger. Mama Margaret was concerned about a strange growth on his tongue, which started small and kept getting bigger and bigger.
Using some special donations, he was first taken to Kenyatta National Hospital on March 11th. Children are usually taken to local clinics for most medical concerns, but in this case he was taken to the National Hospital because of the unusual problem.
Let me describe in a bit of detail how things went to give you some idea of the challenges of helping needy children with medical issues.
Once he checked in with the first doctor, the doctor told Margaret she would have to retrieve his complete medical records from the clinic he would normally attend. This was required because Wickliff is HIV positive and had Tuberculosis when he was younger. So a trip was made to the other clinic, the records were fetched, Wickliff was taken back to the hospital again (see photo). At that point, they decided to schedule a biopsy.
The biopsy took place last week and we should get the results next week. We are praying that it is something easily treatable.
Altogether, this will have taken at least four trips (with public transportation) to the doctor and one to the clinic, each with long waits involved, plus about $100 in funds. As you can see, it takes a lot of time, energy and resources to help orphans like Wickliff. Stay tuned for updates on the biopsy results.
I visited Wickliff and his home in January. Wickliff lives with an aunt who is taking care of a large extended family. The living conditions, especially when it rains, are horrible. Wickliff is a bright and responsible young man who needs help to make sure he gets nutritious food (important for children like Wickliff who are HIV positive), and improved bedding, clothes, and help with school fees. If you would like to sponsor Wickliff, please contact me at dmitchell@lahash.net
Below is a video of Wickliff (wearing a pink shirt) leading Mama Margaret to his home in Kibera. Notice Margaret bringing up the need that Wickliff has for a sponsor.
During our visit to Wickliff's home, the coach of the soccer club Wickliff belongs to came by with a soccer ball. The coach was telling me what a good player Wickliff is and wanted us to see how well Wickliff could handle the ball. I took a video clip of Wickliff juggling the ball.
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