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Lauza is just four years old, and lives in Uganda, with her mother and 3 half-siblings . But unlike most children, Lauza hasn’t had the chance to truly be a child, and she has barely ever smiled.

She suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and incredibly painful skin disease that requires intensive, ongoing care. Her skin must be dressed every three days — a process that is not only agonizing, but expensive. The special creams, bandages, and medications she needs cost far more than her single mother, could ever afford. So her mother watches her little girl live in daily pain — feeling helpless and hopeless.

Through the kindness of a donor, Lauza recently received a round of critical treatment, and we saw a glimpse of hope. However, her condition is chronic and lifelong. She will need ongoing regular medical care, medication, and dressing changes, and we need caring people to be willing to assist her . For further details about her condition, please read the "Updates" section in this fundraiser.

Why We Need Your Help:

Your donation will help cover:

-Ongoing medication and medical supplies.

-Professional wound care and dressing changes.

-Travel to her regular clinic where she receives dressing changes

-Purchase of a stroller and soft blanket so that she doesn’t have to be picked up too often, which painfully rubs on her wounds.

-Basic needs for Lauza and her siblings ( nutritious food, diapers)

-A shelter be built and start-up supplies to be purchased so that her mother, Fatima, can establish an informal, street vendor business to earn some money for her family.

Every contribution — no matter the size — brings Lauza closer to comfort, relief, and one day… maybe even her very first smile.

Please help us change the story of this little girl’s life.

With deep gratitude,

Kerry Ries.