Help Me Help Jacob
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Help me help Jacob
Hi, my name is Amy Endean and I am currently volunteering in Hwedza in Zimbabwe. Whilst injecting dogs against Rabies, we received a plea from a dog owner for help with his son. On 16th February I went to see the family and this is what I found……..
Jacob is a 21 year old young man. He has Cerebal Palsy and as a result of his family living in a rural area obtaining appropriate care is exceedingly difficult and resulted in him being found in a state of severe dehydration, malnutrition and numerous large bed sores on his feet, elbows, hips and bottom. Due to his lack of movement throughout his life his muscles have shrunk and resulted in his torso twisting 180 degrees at the pelvis. This also means he is unable to feed himself or swipe insects away should they land on him. Mentally he is aware even though he cannot communicate other than by grunting. Physically he weighs only 23kg - yes this is not a typo he is 21 year old young man weighing only 23kg.
On todays visit and whilst helping his devoted mother clean his bed sores we felt he needed urgent medical attention. We took him to a rural hospital, where we found an amazing building and equipment, however they (like the rest of us here at the moment) have no electricity and water. This meant that whilst we were there it rained and all the pregnant women from the maternity ward ran outside to collect the water to clean themselves.
The Doctor was amazing and immediately ordered him to be put on IV fluids and did a full body check. Jacob needed to be admitted, however, the medical system out here is one where nothing is free and all medicines and dressings and personal care have to be paid for at full price including every nights stay (to cover both his and his mothers bed and food costs).
Jacobs family, whilst living in a rural area have worked hard to provide fresh food (they own cattle and farm crops) but they are not able to pay for his current hospital fees and special equipment/dietary needs which would improve his quality of life no end.
It was encouraging to hear from the Doctor that he is hopeful of Jacob’s full recovery from his current malnutrition disorder. The bed sores will heal but only with the help of skin grafts. Additionally, there is also an operation which he could have to release the muscles in his arms which with follow up intensive rehabilitation should see him being able to feed himself and swipe the flies and mosquitos away.
Whilst with a lot of hard work and dedication and help from donations, we have already provided a standard wheelchair, mattress for him to lay on and a net to keep the flies and mosquitos off of him. Whilst these are all a great help, what I need is help with covering his medical fees and equipment for his everyday life such as : Personal care, adjustable/support bed and wheel chair for his condition and body shape, and to cover all Jacobs dietary needs, but most importantly being able to get Jacob the correct hospital treatment he needs to be able to live for the first time a pain free life.
We currently have enough money to keep him in hospital for a week (donations from the other volunteers I am living with). If you feel like you could help me give Jacob a fighting chance, please donate to my Gofundme account.
(By the way,just incase you have any concerns about the funds reaching Jacob and being used for his hospital costs and not being diverted. I will be paying the money myself directly to the hospital whenever fees are due. )
Thank you from me on Jacobs behalf.
Hi, my name is Amy Endean and I am currently volunteering in Hwedza in Zimbabwe. Whilst injecting dogs against Rabies, we received a plea from a dog owner for help with his son. On 16th February I went to see the family and this is what I found……..
Jacob is a 21 year old young man. He has Cerebal Palsy and as a result of his family living in a rural area obtaining appropriate care is exceedingly difficult and resulted in him being found in a state of severe dehydration, malnutrition and numerous large bed sores on his feet, elbows, hips and bottom. Due to his lack of movement throughout his life his muscles have shrunk and resulted in his torso twisting 180 degrees at the pelvis. This also means he is unable to feed himself or swipe insects away should they land on him. Mentally he is aware even though he cannot communicate other than by grunting. Physically he weighs only 23kg - yes this is not a typo he is 21 year old young man weighing only 23kg.
On todays visit and whilst helping his devoted mother clean his bed sores we felt he needed urgent medical attention. We took him to a rural hospital, where we found an amazing building and equipment, however they (like the rest of us here at the moment) have no electricity and water. This meant that whilst we were there it rained and all the pregnant women from the maternity ward ran outside to collect the water to clean themselves.
The Doctor was amazing and immediately ordered him to be put on IV fluids and did a full body check. Jacob needed to be admitted, however, the medical system out here is one where nothing is free and all medicines and dressings and personal care have to be paid for at full price including every nights stay (to cover both his and his mothers bed and food costs).
Jacobs family, whilst living in a rural area have worked hard to provide fresh food (they own cattle and farm crops) but they are not able to pay for his current hospital fees and special equipment/dietary needs which would improve his quality of life no end.
It was encouraging to hear from the Doctor that he is hopeful of Jacob’s full recovery from his current malnutrition disorder. The bed sores will heal but only with the help of skin grafts. Additionally, there is also an operation which he could have to release the muscles in his arms which with follow up intensive rehabilitation should see him being able to feed himself and swipe the flies and mosquitos away.
Whilst with a lot of hard work and dedication and help from donations, we have already provided a standard wheelchair, mattress for him to lay on and a net to keep the flies and mosquitos off of him. Whilst these are all a great help, what I need is help with covering his medical fees and equipment for his everyday life such as : Personal care, adjustable/support bed and wheel chair for his condition and body shape, and to cover all Jacobs dietary needs, but most importantly being able to get Jacob the correct hospital treatment he needs to be able to live for the first time a pain free life.
We currently have enough money to keep him in hospital for a week (donations from the other volunteers I am living with). If you feel like you could help me give Jacob a fighting chance, please donate to my Gofundme account.
(By the way,just incase you have any concerns about the funds reaching Jacob and being used for his hospital costs and not being diverted. I will be paying the money myself directly to the hospital whenever fees are due. )
Thank you from me on Jacobs behalf.
Organizer
Amy Endean
Organizer