An Epic Cause

Alex, 11 years old, was a normal boy till last year when he became ill and was diagnosed with tuberculosis of central nervous system. He is no longer able to attend school and participate in normal daily activities. The family cannot afford wheelchair or any needed rehabilitation services.

Ana, 3 years old, undiagnosed, unable to walk. Spends most days on the ground inside or outside the hut. Neighbors look after her as mother is out working.

Diana, 13 years old, undiagnosed condition. She was a healthy child until the age of 3. When she was 3, she became disabled and has been bed-ridden since then. Mother left her and is now being taken care of by her paternal grandmother. Sometimes she spends time in a stand-up chair made by hand from recycled paper. The wheelchair that she has is old and was donated by World Vision in 2010 and is not suitable for local environment.

Grace, 9 years old, condition undiagnosed. She can’t balance herself or walk independently. She attends the only school for kids with special needs in Lusaka and her mother Tisane carries her to school and back on her back. As Grace gets older, her mother won’t be able to carry her to school.

Hilda, 23 years old, pre-term birth defect, unable to walk independently. She is bright but is not able to continue her studies due to access issues.

Mishek, 9 years old, undiagnosed. He is not able to move on his own, spends most days on the floor inside the hut or on the ground outside with little supervision by parents who need to work or search for food to feed him and his siblings. He does not attend school.