In this part of the world, there are people who die before their time due to lack of resources, others die because of lack of access the health facilities while others die even in hospitals because of lack of specialized medical personnel
Reagan and Respicius 18 and 20 years respectively, are young men who had been doomed to die before their time, partly because they were impoverished orphans but also because of lack of specialized medical care.
Reagan was diagnosed has having a heart problem when he was 11years old. He was really weak and had a stature like that of a six year old. The heart valves were defective and heart surgery was recommended. Heart surgery is not done in Tanzania. It was necessary to send him either to India or England. However money was a big problem. 7 million Tshs was needed. HUYAWA could afford to contribute only 2 million Tshs. A well meaning Doctor’s advice was to let one child die rather than spend the amount of money that was enough to pay for 200 orphans who had malaria.
Of course, we could not let Reagan, the child we knew, the child we were used to embracing die. It was important to fight for his life, to give him a chance. Thanks to a kind, cooperative and understanding Consultant Cardiologist at Muhimbili Referral Hospital, Reagan was able to get heart surgery two years later, in 1998 in India. He returned to Muhimbili where he remained for observation. A year later 14 years old Reagan returned to Bukoba, a strong happy boy with a pain-free facial expression. Reagan is now in his 2^nd year of secondary education whereas his counterparts are in their 4^th year.
Respicius was a silent sufferer for many years. His ill-heart prevented him from attending school therefore he attended special classes for over aged orphans.He lived with a cousin who later abandoned him. He was diagnosed as having Rheumatic heart disease in 1998, and needed prosthetic valvular replacement. His heart was big and his breathing was laboured. At 15, he looked like a 9 year old.
The story was the same as that of Reagan; lack of funds, lack of specialized medical help etc. HUYAWA had by now made “friends” with the Kind Consultant Cardiologist at Muhimbili Referral Hospital. In 1999, Reagan went to the referral hospital and it was not before 2000 that the possibility to send him to India was realized. During his recuperation period at Muhimbili Hospital, Respicius got Malaria and he nearly died. The Cardiologist, in person called our office to inform us to prepare for the worst. After a year, Respicius came back to us, healthy, of the right stature as befits his age.
Wonder of wonders! Reagans aunt, who had followed Reagan to India, volunteered to take care of Respicius as well! Talk of Good Samaritans!! On their return, she convinced her mother, Reagan’s grandmother that Respicius should live with them since they were “experts” at caring for heart patients! This was a blessing as Respicius had otherwise no one to take care of him.
Respicius who was attending special classes for over aged orphans got placed in an ordinary primary school and at 20, he is now in class VI while his counterparts are in High School. What is important in life? Life and living are important!!
We thank God that Reagan and Respicius are alive and living normal lives, happy to be alive. Had HUYAWA given up, these two young men would not be alive today.