Some stories stay with us. They remind us of the hardships so many children face and the strength they show in the midst of it all. Today, for Throwback Thursday, we want to share the journey of two sisters—Nagelande and Elmise.
In 2012, Nagelande first came to our clinic with her father. She was very sick, malnourished, and weak, but one thing was clear—her father deeply loved her and was desperate to find help. She was admitted for inpatient care, and over time, she recovered and returned home.
Over the next several years, Nagelande was admitted again, struggling with illness and malnutrition. During that time, their father passed away, and their mother, overwhelmed by grief and hardship, suffered a mental breakdown. She would often disappear for weeks at a time, leaving her children behind. Family members took in some of the siblings, but others were left to fend for themselves.
Through it all, Nagelande did her best to care for her youngest sister, Elmise. They continued to come to the clinic from time to time. One day, Nagelande became very sick again. She arrived at the clinic, but before she could see the doctor, she left without receiving care. A few days later, someone in the community spotted the two sisters walking along the road alone. They had been left by themselves for several days with no one to care for them.
The local authorities stepped in, working to locate extended family. We worked together to find a home for the sisters—a family that could provide them with love, stability, and the care they desperately needed.
Today, Nagelande and Elmise are thriving. They are safe, loved, and attending school. They no longer have to carry the weight of survival alone. They are growing up in a stable family environment, where they have the opportunity to simply be children.
Their story is a reminder of why we do what we do—because no child should have to navigate life alone. Thank you for being part of this mission. Because of your support, children like Nagelande and Elmise can have a future filled with hope.