Support Alex & Leo and the launch of JHIinc.org!

Hi Friends - Your support has already meant the world to Alex and Leo. Now, we extend a heartfelt invitation to continue changing lives, nurturing healing and hope for those who need it most.

We invite you to delve deeper into the impactful work led by Alex Gitungano and JHI Inc. as they persist in championing the fundamental causes of justice and health for all.

Join us in making a lasting impact not only in Alex & Leo's life but in the lives of countless others who require help. Together, we can be the beacon of change, offering healing and hope where it's needed most.

Stay engaged in our mission by signing up for the JHI newsletter and donations, and helping Alex and Leo continue their journey of transformative impact.

Thank you for being a part of the journey!!

HI Friends - after such a positive update only a couple of days ago, it's with sad news that I share that Alex's petition for asylum has been denied. The Boston Globe update, on Thursday 6/20 by Scott Helman sums it up best.

For now, we know that legal fees, along with the ongoing housing needs will be of paramount concern. Much is being done to figure out the exact legal status and options moving forward. More updates to follow once more is known, and an appropriate and cohesive course of action can be determined. If anyone has specific questions, please PM me directly.

Much peace to all. E- 

Photo attributed to Jessica Rinaldi, Globe Staff

In May, Alex graduated with his Masters of Public Health Degree from Boston University. He's now on a quest to create a sustainable life for he and Leo. They still need help as their current status is still up in the air, and captured in this new update from the Boston Globe, written by Scott Helman, photo here by Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2019/06/19/this-boy-came-boston-for-healing-you-won-believe-his-life-now/ySv5gZWVWrtJfrrUltdmuJ/story.html

Hi everyone and happy summer to all! Alex & Leo are doing well, and thank you for the prayers, well wishes, acts of kindness and generous donations so far! It’s time for an update, and a notice out to all that Alex and Leo are in a new chapter of their journey - to find a new home. Their current living situation, which is a small in-law apartment in Framingham, is coming to an end in October, because the owners are retiring and selling their house. Alex has been paying a small stipend for rent, but they are now seeking a suitable and inevitably more expensive apartment in the Framingham area. As a quick backdrop to this current situation, Alex & Leo have been in Framingham for almost 2 years, and in that time they’ve both been extremely busy! Leo is an energetic 8 year old boy, and has just finished 2nd grade and loves playing soccer. It wasn’t easy being the new kid when he started 1st grade, and Alex worked very hard to help his transition. Leo had to learn how to navigate an environment where he’s was seen as different than the other kids and it was hard to make friends. Thankfully, with support, Leo has acclimated well to his school and feels a sense of belonging. To keep this consistency for Leo, it will be best for them to continue living in Framingham if possible. On a medical front, Leo continues to be treated by Shriner’s Hospital in Boston, and has had several surgeries to help his right eye maintain vision over the past 18 months. It’s yet unknown if Shriner’s will close later this year, and what that will mean for Leo’s long term treatments. Meanwhile, in addition to taking care of Leo, Alex has been earning his Graduate degree at the B.U. School of Public Health. Commuting up to 4 hours per day, Alex finished his 2nd year, and has been excelling in his program, making friends and is now working in a summer internship he won at a John Snow Inc - quite the accomplishment. It’s important to note, that after last GoFundMe fundraiser helped raise the introductory cost of Alex’s Grad School program, he then achieved a full scholarship to pay for the rest of his academic tenure. Alex hopes to finish his schooling by January 2019 and attain a full time position where he can support both he and Leo independently. However, until that time, Alex needs help on two fronts. The first, is to find a new living situation. One of the goals of this campaign, is to raise $15,000 to pay for a small apartment for at least 6 months, until Alex can be employed on a full-time basis with apath to self sufficiency. The second, is to secure a new and safe car that Alex can use to transport Leo and help continue their path of independence. Alex’s current car is 10+ years old and in need of a new transmission that would cost $2,000+ to have fixed - more than the car is worth. We’re seeking anyone who might want to donate a car or contribute to this fund - that will allow for purchase of a inexpensive and dependable used car. Alex and Leo have come so far. Their perseverance and the generosity of the many supporters included here is inspiring. Can you help them through the next 6-months as they bridge a transition to their next chapter of financial independence? Any amount or possible car donation is so much appreciated. Please see below for a history of Alex & Leo's story and the journey they have traveled thus far. Many of you may know Alex and Leo’s story covered by the Boston Globe last year (https://www.bostonglobe.com/…/IdKoEJJHwqRmOV65s2…/story.html) and the outpouring of support from people they’ve met since coming to the U.S. for treatment at Boston Shriner’s for Leo.

Here’s your chance to help in the next chapter of their journey.

Since putting his life on hold to care for Leo, Alex would like to resume classes in his field of study this September. He has an opportunity to take two classes at Boston University in a just a few weeks – and taking them could lead to a scholarship. BUT: the cost of tuition is $12,000 – which he doesn’t have.

Can you help?

We’re hoping to raise $12K in 12 days. One anonymous donor has already committed $1000 to get started – leaving only $11K left.

Please note that all donations go directly to the Trust Fund for Leo & Alex, with a designated trustee. If you’d like more specific information about the Trust, please send a private message through this gofundme site.

As a bit of background, Alex & Leo are slowly going through an immigration process, which is painfully slow. A generous family in Framingham has offered them a place to stay indefinitely, which has been a Godsend! Alex knows he will need to support Leo and himself when the immigration process is complete. And, he is looking to further his education to do that successfully. Boston University does not know anything about the education system in which Alex received his undergraduate degree in Burundi. So, they have offered him the opportunity to take two graduate classes to ensure that his English is sufficient and that his undergraduate degree is equivalent to our own, which could lead to a scholarship to study Global Health. But, they cannot give him a scholarship for those classes and the full tuition is $12,000 plus books and supplies. He does not have the money. So, we are trying to help give him a chance to better himself and be in a better position to be a productive member of American society so he can adequately care for Leo. ANY amount will be helpful and so much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support for these two beautiful people.

Their Story:

Alexis Gitungano and Leo Ikoribitangaza are from Burundi, a small African country, and their story is quite amazing. When Alex was 25 years old, he was asked to accompany Leo, who was 4 years old, to the Shriner's hospital in Boston for treatments at the burn center. As a toddler, Leo had fallen into an open cooking fire and suffered severe facial burns.  They've been in the Boston area for 3 years now, and Leo has already undergone a number of major surgeries. During this time, Alex has assumed the role of caregiver, teacher & companion for young Leo with no compensation or promise of future benefit. During their stay, they've split time and lived with a befriended Pastor in Needham and another minister on Cape Cod. And they've made many other connections and acquaintances to help them along the way. Leo has another big surgery coming up in late April, and is expected to complete current treatments sometime this summer. My family met Alex and Leo through mutual friends, and we've had the good fortune to host them at our house for a couple of social gatherings. We're doing what we can to help them become acclimated to Boston and the US in general. Many others have also stepped forward to help, and we hope that this campaign adds to that circle of support. Alex has graduated college and is also an accomplished musician and devoted Christian. He's spent much time here exploring different communities of faith.  He speaks 5 languages: English, French, Swahili, Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, and used to interpret for people visiting Burundi who didn't understand Kirundi. Various organization that he volunteered for include Youth For Christ Ministry, Great Lakes Outreach and King’s School, where he also helped counsel students. Alex has had trainings in leadership and believes that one of the big problems in Africa is the problem of Leadership. In 2012, he received an opportunity to go to South Africa for an International Congress of Psychology, where he was registered as member of American Psychology Association (APA). Alex also traveled through East Africa, fleeing the wars in Burundi, Rwanda and DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). The war is another experience in Alex's life, and a much longer story than can be told here. Alex finished his studies in June 2013, and tried to find a way to continue his studies but there are no graduate programs in Burundi. His goal is to go back to school, and learn more so that he can help many people as possible. For now, in Alex's words "I got to understand that I don’t live for myself but I live to impact in many lives. That is why I’m here in Boston helping this child. I do everything for him. It’s a new experience for taking care of a four years but I like it. Someone says: “We have all been called to be foot-washers (Servants)"