More than 1,000 children are newly infected with HIV every day, and of these more than half will die due to a lack of access to HIV treatment. Fortunately, St. Joseph’s Home has been saving the lives of HIV infected children since 2002. Today, over 33% of our little patients suffering from HIV/AIDS and TB have been given a second chance at a healthy childhood.
Join us today and become a part of the solution that seeks to save lives.
The picture shows Tony with awards for Business Studies, Life Orientation, Life Science, mathematics and literacy award, a best overall achievement award, and the Principals Award. Congratulations Tony on a job well done. Clearly your goal of becoming a doctor is a step closer to being realized.
What follows is a reprinting of our Easter 2009 Miracle Story: Tony is 16 years of age. He was living in Zimbabwe with his parents when they both died of TB. Alone, with no place to call home, and no money, he embarked on a journey, walking and catching rides in the back of trucks to connect with an uncle who lives in Cape Town. At the border crossing, many people were prevented from entering South Africa and much to his surprise; he walked across with no problem.
Tony felt sick the entire time, and he knew something was wrong. When he reached Cape Town, he sought medical treatment, and was diagnosed with diabetes. He was placed at St. Joseph’s Home in June of 2009. Once in our care, we also treated him for malnutrition. While in our care he was diagnosed with TB, and was immediately placed on TB medication. Tony feels that St. Joseph’s has given him his life back and says “this is the first time in a long time that I don’t feel sick and I can sleep at night without being worried”.
Today, Tony has obtained refugee status and attends the Athlone School for the Blind. He is in grade 11 and has an aptitude for science. Tony is one of their top students. He is also considered a student leader. He wants to become a doctor, and when asked why, he said “I have seen so many children suffering, and I want to help them to get better.”
Tony injects himself four times a day with insulin, and tests his sugar levels six times a day. He has learned to manage his diabetes and he feels proud of the manner in which the nurses trained him to monitor and treat his illness.
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