Gerald is a four-year-old boy from Uganda who is living with from malnutrition. He has an oedema (or excess fluid retention), fevers, symptoms of respiratory distress, and is very lethargic.
Gerald lives with his parents, Pascasia and Medard, and four brothers and sisters in a village about 50 km away from the hospital. His mother traveled on motorcycle taxi to bring him to the hospital. Gerald is not in school yet, but will be attending next year.
At home, he enjoys playing and dancing with the other children in the village. He also enjoys making things out of mud and sticks and playing soccer. His mother and father are small farmers and grow their own vegetables and tea and sell the tea for extra money. When she has leisure time, Pascasia enjoys nothing more than talking with her children.
Gerald needs inpatient treatment for his malnutrition, which includes therapeutic food and antibiotics. This treatment will cost his $316. Gerald’s family needs financial assistance to pay for this treatment. After the treatment, Gerald will be able to play with his brothers and sisters again.
“I could see that Gerald was not feeling well and playing like he normally does,” his mother shared. “So when the other women in the village told me he could be treated at the hospital, I was very grateful. I want to take good care of him and learn what he needs to eat. Thank you very much for the help.”