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Amizo's hope for healing in Sierra Leone

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Amizo is a sweet and spirited little girl who lives in Freetown, Sierra Leone.   She was living with her hardworking father, 3 siblings and 2 cousins.  The children  became friends with a local American school teacher named Tem and her adopted children.  Tem's sweet daughters asked if Tem could take in Amizo and her brother when they saw them having a hard time making ends meet.  That is how Amizo came to live with her foster mom, Tem.  

In March, 2019, Amizo went to the hospital with a  painful and inflamed leg.   They thought it was from being hit by a soccer ball.    She instead was diagnosed with cellulitis, as well as typhoid.  She spent 9 days in the hospital and her family was only allowed to visit 2 times each week, for 90 minutes at a time.  When she was discharged, she was very weak and had lost weight.  She was on oral antibiotics and a leg brace.  Everyone was happy she was home.  

After several follow up visits, a blister formed under the bandage and burst.  It was discovered one night after removing the brace.  It drained and drained  and would not stop.  The bandages were being changed every 2 hours.  She finally had to go back to the hospital and undergo excruciating treatments with no anesthesia, empathy or understanding.  It was a very traumatic time.  She was given more antibiotics and lots of loving care at home, and was finally given a clean bill of health.  Amizo and her family celebrated with ice cream and a pedicure!  

A few weeks later in early May another boil appeared.  The infection had settled in the bone and was trying to find a way out.   She was admitted for another 2 week hospital stay and intensive IV antibiotics.   At this point the doctors discussed possible surgery to remove some bone or even possible amputation.  She went home again on heavy oral antibiotics. 

Then in late June,  there were 2 new blisters that were filled with more infection.

This time it became necessary to find a 2nd opinion and work on a better solution.  The hospital that is now supervising her care is expensive and requires pre-payment for all medical care.  The new hospital has said the infection is in the bone and she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis.   This is a rare but very serious condition and Amizo will likely need surgery.  If the surgery  does not successfully remove the infected bone, her leg may need to be amputated.  Of course, in Sierra Leone this would be a very serious problem for Amizo to face and would give her a very challenging future.  

Please donate today so Amizo can have this life saving surgery and get the medical care she desperately needs.  All money will be put in to a trust fund set up at World Bank.  Her care may vary but it will be ongoing, so the need is long-term.  

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Donations 

  • Eilish Stewart
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team: Friends of Amizo (4)

Jill Mailloux
Organizer
Raised $45 from 2 donations
Kennewick, WA
Tara Kram
Beneficiary
Raised $60 from 1 donation
Tem Tilly
Team member
Raised $460 from 7 donations
Michelle Brooks
Team member
Raised $425 from 2 donations
This team raised $1,735 from 28 other donations.

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