News
DELADEM UPDATE 2010:
Francis was one of the children we had initially transported from The Deladem Orphanage to the Ho Regional Hospital, in February 2009. The children spent a week under the care of a caring physician named Dr. Obeng. Francis was by far the most ill child we had encountered. A person only had to hold him and feel his chest to know his heart was sick. Like the other children who were admitted to hospital from Deladem Orphanage, Francis was diagnosed with failure to thrive and severe malnourishment. However, Francis was also suffering with another serious ailment. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (Ventricular Septal Defect) that would require future surgery and treatment, in order for him to survive.
Once Francis was discharged from Ho Regional Hospital, our team transported him to Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, for further testing. It was also at that time that we were able to pass little Francis over to his new foster mother, who had been arranged by Orphan Aid Africa. At that time it was also determined that Francis would require extensive heart surgery, and All For Humanity planned to support his procedure however possible.
It is very important to understand the amount of work and co-ordination that went into making this surgery a reality. Several contacts were involved in making this happen and ultimately an organization by the name of Golden Hearts Trust (www.goldenheartstrust.co.cc) a foundation that helps children with heart conditions, facilitated the payment. This organization had the expertise to do so, as well as having an amazing track record in getting the money to where it needs to go. Golden Hearts Trust came highly recommended by both the wife of the Canadian High Commissioner in Ghana. As well as Dr. Seth Ayettey who is a Professor of Anatomy with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and a member of the Board of Directors of World Vision.Both individuals assisted significantly early on in the process and played a significant role in getting the ball rolling. All For Humanity paid $9, 920.00CDN towards the surgery with Golden Hearts Trust paying the remaining amount.
Time was also an important factor as this little boy needed to have a surgery date as soon as possible. With so many reputable individuals and organizations working together to make this happen, and then to actually make this surgery a reality - from Canada, was no small accomplishment!. Francis Adjan has a surgery date set for March 25 ,2010! All For Humanity is looking forward to visiting with Francis and his foster mother pre surgery, when our team arrives in Ghana in March 2010.
The other updates we have received from Orphan Aid Africa who is caring for the children of Deladem through their foster family program, is they are coping well, some have been reunited with family and all appear happy and healthy, especially considering the condition they were in the first time we met them! Orphan Aid is working on a long term care plan and looking for support for the remaining children of Deladem. Exceptional work indeed, by Orphan Aid Africa to promote such a great foster care program and to keep these children out of institutional living.
January 24, 2010
A PRECIOUS GEM
Marisei Yakubu was born May 21, 2009 with a cleft lip and palate. One of the most immediate concerns after the birth of an infant with cleft lip and cleft palate is feeding, which can be difficult due to inadequate suction, lack of an air-tight latch or nasal regurgitation. As is in the case with baby Marisei, and as a result the child is also suffering with a sever case of failure to thrive, weighing not much more now, than what the child weighed at birth. The child's father, Mr. Yakubu Inusssah, was desperate for help for his baby, knowing he could not afford the surgery ($400.00CDN) he contacted Kathy Knowles through her library located in Nima. One of our most trusted contacts in Ghana then contacted All For Humanity to ask if we could in fact, support the special therapeutic food that is required for the child to gain weight and thrive. With the hope, that once the child has gained enough weight, she could then have surgery to repair the cleft lip and palate. Babies with cleft palate are especially susceptible to repeated middle ear infections, which over time can permanently damage hearing. If the cleft extends through the upper gum, as in this case, tooth development can be affected. Because both the lip and palate are used in forming sounds, the development of normal speech can also be affected. For this child to survive and have any quality of life - surgery is an absolute must. Knowing the many complications that can arise from having this condition, we are thrilled to be able to play small part in helping this child and family. We will be providing the family the $50.00CDN a month, over the next few months, which will cover the cost of food, until the child is strong enough to under go the surgery. As of January 23, 2010 it was confirmed by the surgeon, that once Marisei's has gained enough weight, the doctor's will proceed with the surgery to repair the child's cleft lip and palate. The surgery will generously be paid for by a Canadian NGO called Transforming Faces Worldwide. Another great example of how a team approach, taking small steps and simple acts of generosity - go such a long way in country like Ghana.
May 30, 2009
Our experience in Ghana this year was so unexpected, so overwhelming, and so completely necessary. It was emotionally intense to a degree that none of us could have imagined. It was a journey that was pivotal for All For Humanity. (read more...)
See our photo's:
October 5, 2008
On October 4, 2008
ALL FOR HUMANITY held their official launch party at the Big Rock
Brewery in