Anyone who has visited us in Cazale during the past 14 months had the privilege of meeting Wilderson. A spunky toddler with a delightful smile. Wilderson was admitted to our inpatient malnutrition center in September of last year with severe acute malnutrition, edema presumably secondary to kwashiorkor and a severe asthma exacerbation. He recovered quickly and was discharged the following month. However, he was noted to have a heart murmur on admission. He was referred to Haiti Cardiac Alliance for evaluation. Echocardiogram revealed multiple heart defects, likely due to rheumatic heart disease- a complication of prior bacterial infection. He needed heart surgery, which is not available in Haiti. Haiti Cardiac Alliance started the process to find a hospital in another country that would perform life- saving surgery for Wilderson. He was prescribed multiple medications. His parents were a bit overwhelmed with the medications and his diagnosis and so asked us to take care of him until he was able to get surgery. Wilderson required oxygen multiple times over the past year, but became oxygen dependent in August. His medications were adjusted, but his condition slowly declined. Hospitals in multiple countries declined to take on his case for various reasons. Unfortunately, Wilderson passed away yesterday morning. We are heartbroken. Wilderson was part of the family. We loved him dearly. We don’t know why God did not open a door for him to receive surgery, but we trust in God’s goodness and in His plan. So please pray for all involved- for Wilderson’s biological family, RHFH missionaries, nurses and the Rescue Center staff that God will heal our aching hearts and fill us with His love and hope so that we may continue to care for those that come through our gates with overwhelming need. God has crossed our paths for a purpose and we would be grateful for your prayers that God continues to give us the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the heart to love, and the strength to endure in this holy and relentless work.
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Comments(6)
Michele Watson says
November 11, 2019 at 3:59 pmI think I do remember him. I was there in January, 2019 with Global Compassion Ministries. I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless your very important work under difficult conditions.
Marvin Odoms says
November 11, 2019 at 9:42 pmPraying for the people closest to him!!!
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Josh Walton says
November 12, 2019 at 1:41 amI am so sorry to hear about the passing of this sweet boy, Wilderson. I will continue to pray for God’s peace and protection over the ministry of RHFH. God bless the work you are doing! May the gospel advance in the midst of so many tragedies in Haiti.
Deborah Lammert says
November 12, 2019 at 1:50 amSo sorry for your loss, and the family’s loss. Thanks to all who cared for him.
Ruth Ann Lewis says
November 12, 2019 at 8:14 amWe are so very sorry for your loss and will certainly keep you all in our prayers. We weep with you all over the passing of Wilderson.
“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted.” May His nearness bring much comfort.
KeLinda Scott says
November 13, 2019 at 8:04 am“This is the day the Lord has made,….” he is at peace and you did your best. May God bless you with peace as you face another day. Remember that God loves him MORE than you do,.. so it MUST all be for the best! Hugs, prayers and more hugs!!!