Stuart

In March this year, I spent a week at the Kisaakye Rehabilitation Centre in Kiyunga, Uganda. The organisation works with children who have physical and/or mental disabilities and helps their families to care for them. During my week with them, I visited children with epilepsy, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. If you want to read more about my week with Kisaakye Rehabilitation, here is a link to my blog post at the time:

http://gracegapyear.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/kisaakye.html

On one of the days, we helped with their drop-in clinic. A young boy called Stuart was brought by his mother. He had cerebral palsy caused by untreated malaria. They did some physiotherapy with him and his joints had become very stiff and immobile. 

I was asked to put a pair of plastic sandals on Stuart's feet so he could be encouraged to stand up. His legs were so thin and felt so fragile in my hands. 

This evening I found out that Stuart has sadly passed away. I received this news with a heavy heart as I remembered working so closely with him and his mother that afternoon. My heart breaks for his mother who lovingly cared for him everyday. Stuart was in a lot of pain when he was alive and so we can rest in the knowledge that he is free from that now and at peace. 

This makes clear the reality of life in a developing country when living with a disability. The struggle of poverty is made harsher by physical or mental restrictions. Money for food, school and rent is already a burden, with the addition of medicine and treatment.

The volunteers at Kisaakye Rehabilitation do an amazing job and they certainly did what they could to make Stuart more comfortable. They work entirely on donations. If you feel led to support this charity please get in contact via their Facebook page.

Rest in our Father's Heavenly Peace, precious Stuart.