Helande was born in February 2007 with a large ball on the back of her head.  Her parents didn’t know what to think of her condition and worried about their daughter.  A friend told them to come to us here in Cazale.  Their first visit was March 29, 2007.  We were able to explain to them that she had an encephalocele and that she would need surgery in the US to correct the deformity.

This seemed overwhelming to us all, but we started the visa process.  Paperwork, documents, tests, and scans consumed our long days as we waited for everything to come together.

The family had to stay here with us since they lived about a 10 hour walk away.  The increasing pressure from the hydrocephalus caused her extreme pain.  Her constant crying was almost inconsolable and these were hard days of waiting and traveling back and forth to Port to complete the proper documentation.

Finally, her visa was granted and Salem and Crystal escorted her and another child (Christella) needing surgery to the US in May 2007.  The Medical Advocacy Team helped to secure charity care, services, host family, and supplies to care for Helande.  A remarkably kind and super intelligent doctor, Dr. Patricia Aronin, operated on Helande.  Kim and her family were absolutely wonderful hosts to little Helande during her entire stay.  We can’t forget Ange and her family too.  Thank you!

She soon healed and returned to her parents in Sept 2007.  This photo is one of my favorites because of how genuinely happy her dad was.

She stayed with us for a bit as mom was educated and Helande adjusted to her parents again. Soon, she went back home.

Here are two videos that were made around that time.

We all held our breaths, wondering how her body and spirit would adjust.  She did just fine and continued to visit the clinic monthly.  Here are a few of our favorite photos.

She loves her papa.

After about a year of faithfully bringing her to visit monthly, we told the parents that they could leave her at home and just come down to get vitamins for her.  This would be easier for them so they didn’t have to carry her that long distance.  We asked that they brought her when/if she had a fever and at least twice a year to get weighed.  They did exactly as we asked and I couldn’t have asked for more more caring and compliant parents.  They continue to do just as we asked that after all these years.

Finally standing…

This month, she visited us again.  She was finally walking without assistance and so very happy and proud of herself.  She is bit shy, but can talk up a storm when she wants to.  😉   I had to take some pictures to show all of you that were involved in her care, transportation, and giving donations to make all of this possible.  We didn’t even know if this day would be possible.  With God’s Grace, it is!

Such a cutie!

Love you, miracle girl!!

THANK YOU for making this smile possible!