A Story of Hope: Meet Anesu and Delaria
You can't help but smile broadly when you see Anesu toddle past you, exuding pride at his new accomplishment. Just a few months ago he was unable to take these steps, but now stands strong on his feet. Accomplishments like this are now becoming familiar to Anesu and his Aunt Delaria, since becoming part of the Sponsor A Mother and Child program at The Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre (Witkoppen).
Life however, has not always been certain for Anesu. In 2016 he tragically lost his mother to her battle with HIV. Struggling with the stigma that surrounds the virus, she had defaulted on her medication, causing her viral load to increase. She continued to breast-feed, resulting in transmission of the virus to Anesu, who without treatment soon became very sick.
When his mom passed away, her family in Zimbabwe refused to take Anesu into their home, but he found a hero in his Aunt Delaria, who was happy to care for him. They relocated to South Africa, but Anesu's medical struggles continued, resulting in multiple hospitalizations before being referred to Witkoppen, where there is an experienced and dedicated team of pediatric HIV clinicians.
Upon his arrival at Witkoppen, the team, led by Dr. Holly France, were very worried about Anesu. He was very ill, unable to walk or even crawl, and Delaria was struggling to give him his medication, as he often spit it out due to its very bitter taste. Dr. France worked with Delaria on ways to ensure he take his medication, and gave him the quality care he had been missing. But they were still facing an insurmountable challenge going forward...how to afford transportation to the clinic, and the monthly clinic fee of 110 rand (approximately $8.50).
Delaria was unemployed and caring for both Anesu and a child of her own. Often struggling to put food on the table, she didn't know how she could afford to keep Anesu in care at Witkoppen, but was immensely relieved to learn about a program where, through the generosity of American donors, patients could be sponsored for a year of comprehensive care and treatment. Anesu was immediately enrolled in the sponsorship program, making it possible for him to receive all of his medical care, as well as a package of psycho-social support services, from Witkoppen.
A year later Anesu is a vision of health and success. He is thriving on his treatment, and the hope he and Delaria have been given is embodied in their beautiful smiles. Delaria beamed with pride as she spoke about her nephew's celebrity status at the clinic. "You can ask the doctors...they know him. He's like a celebrity! And now, seeing him walking like this, the doctors are very happy. I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for The Gift of Hope".
On behalf of Anesu, Delaria and hundreds of others like them, thank you to our donors for bringing hope and health to those most in need. Through your sponsorships you are truly saving lives...one woman and one child at a time.