The clock is ticking on the official launch of Baby Watoto Gulu on 10th June 2010. We already have ten babies in our care at the home and can’t wait to open our arms to more.

We usually share the success stories of our ‘miracle babies’. The stories of tiny preemies, the malnourished, the HIV+ or those in critical conditions who defy all odds to survive. This month, we would like to share a different kind of success story.

Abe was born a fragile preemie twin in October 2008. After a couple of months, for an unknown reason, Abe’s twin sister died.

We met Abe about ten months ago. He had been abandoned by his mother at seven months old. His father loved him very much, but was unable to meet his needs.

Abe weighed only 3.3kg (7lbs) and was extremely malnourished. After consistent breathing difficulty, he was diagnosed as having laryngomalacia - a condition that caused his airway to collapse with every breath. Due to the high risk of inhaling milk while bottle feeding, Abe had to be tube-fed. It quickly became apparent that he was also suffering from epilepsy which caused frequent seizures.

After receiving TB treatment, specialised nutrition and anti-seizure medication, Abe’s quality of life improved. Although he had moderate brain damage, he was responsive to people. He had his favourite nannies, liked to be held and would hold his breath intentionally if he was mad about being put down. It was easy to get a cute smile from Abe when you paid him attention.

Unfortunately, while Abe had learned to cope with his conditions, viruses like common colds and others proved life threatening to him. He seldom left our sick room, but quickly became a favourite with the nurses and doctors at the clinic where he was often admitted.

In October 2009, Abe contracted a really bad virus. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he had to be resuscitated several times. This left him almost brain-dead. The situation looked hopeless but he improved. Over the following months, this became a pattern.

Wednesday 19th May 2010 began with a typical 5am phone call that Abe wasn’t doing well. Despite our best efforts, the following day at around the same time Abe went to be with the Lord.

That morning, we had a special memorial service on the rooftop of the Kampala babies’ home with all of his nannies, volunteers and 51 other precious little ones. As tears and memories of Abe were shared, we saw how much people loved him and were affected by his short life. We take comfort in knowing that he was always well fed, warm, dry and loved for the last ten months of his life.

We are certain Abe knew he was loved and we thank you for the important part you played in his life. While we dearly miss him, we celebrate the fact that he is pain-free, running around like a 19-month-old should be, and enjoying the presence of his Heavenly Father!

We are grateful for your generous prayers, financial and other material contributions that make the rescue of these babies possible.

For the Children,
The Baby Watoto Team