Athia is a calm two-year-old girl from Burundi. When she first arrived at the hospital, she stayed close to her father and eventually fell asleep in his arms. She is the second-born child in a family of three children.
Since the day she was born, her father noticed that a small area on her back looked different. The skin was darker than the rest, but at first, the family did not know what it meant. After Athia turned one, however, the area began to swell. Over time, it grew larger, eventually covering a significant part of her lower back. What had once been a small and uncertain concern had become a large mass that required specialized medical attention.
Athia’s father has traveled through several hospitals, with no curative treatment. He left Athia’s mother and their other children, and traveled with his daughter in search of the care she needs. The distance has been difficult, and the long hours of waiting have tested their patience. He brought her to Kibuye Hope Hospital, where doctors advised that the mass would need to be removed, and a skin graft applied.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Athia receive treatment. On September 16th, surgeons will perform a skin graft procedure to help her begin her journey towards healing and enable her to laugh freely, play without worry, grow with confidence, and dream about her future. Now, Athia needs help to fund this $375 procedure.
Athia’s father said, “Since arriving here, I have been touched by the warm welcome and guidance we have received. I am truly grateful for the help given to my daughter. Before coming here, I had taken her to several hospitals in Bujumbura, which cost our family almost everything we had. I came here without knowing what kind of help we would receive, but by God’s grace, we have found hope. I pray that the journey ahead will be just as good.”
