Helping Richett Run and Dance!
Donation protected
We met Richett (pronounced Reesha) in early December, 2017 during our YWAM outreach in Paidha, Uganda. Richett was living with her mom, Chantel on the compound where our team stayed during our 3-week outreach. There were several children living on this compound, including her close friend Abigail (seen on the right in photo). Their contagious smiles greeted us every morning and evening. Their smiles grew a little wider when they were able to accompany us in ministry off compound, which gave them the opportunity to mingle with many other children. Richett’s only obstacle was her need for crutches. Although she proved to be a champion using them daily, it was easy to see her desire to throw them down so that she could run and dance like all of the other children. She would always do what she could until her pain forced her to sit on the sidelines and watch.
Richett’s Story:
On January 13, 2017, in the Congo, Richett returned home from playing and complained of some sharp pain in her left thigh. Her mom became concerned and took her to her grandmother who is a local massage specialist, hoping that a massage would ease the pain. After three days, the pain was worse, so Richett’s mom brought her to a small clinic where she was referred to one of the main hospitals in Mahagi, DRC. Unfortunately, the clinic had no one to assess her properly. The doctors in the hospital said Richett needed surgery. Chantal started to raise money, however her efforts failed to produce funds. No funds. No surgery!
Chantal made her way to Uganda with hopes for better and cheaper medical attention. With the help of friends in Uganda, Richett was seen by a doctor in Nebbi and surgery was scheduled for mid-January 2018, just a few days after we were scheduled to leave the area. We recently found out that she didn’t have the surgery. When Richett was examined in January, inflammation had increased and the wound had accumulated a lot of pus, which was causing some rotting in the thigh bones; small pieces of bone were coming out of a small pus-covered opening in her leg. Richett needed surgery to save her leg. Chantal returned again to Paidha after the surgery was cancelled due to a lack of funds to pay for the operation. She was told the surgery would cost 8-10 million Ugandan Shillings (approx. $3,4000 CAD) and would include a longer stay in the hospital for full recovery (up to 3 months). Hospital service in Uganda is unlike that which we receive in North America. The patient must supply everything during the stay, even bedding and all food.
We have been in regular communication with Francis from Titus Centre Ministries (TCM), the organization we ministered side-by-side with during our outreach in Paidha. Francis has agreed to help ensure that all funds raised go directly to Richett for her surgery, hospital stay and care. We have calculated the funds into Canadian dollars and have included travel money to ensure this does not become an obstacle. Any and all donations and prayers are much appreciated. We will keep you updated with any progress.
Blessings,
Sandra and Ian Koster
Richett’s Story:
On January 13, 2017, in the Congo, Richett returned home from playing and complained of some sharp pain in her left thigh. Her mom became concerned and took her to her grandmother who is a local massage specialist, hoping that a massage would ease the pain. After three days, the pain was worse, so Richett’s mom brought her to a small clinic where she was referred to one of the main hospitals in Mahagi, DRC. Unfortunately, the clinic had no one to assess her properly. The doctors in the hospital said Richett needed surgery. Chantal started to raise money, however her efforts failed to produce funds. No funds. No surgery!
Chantal made her way to Uganda with hopes for better and cheaper medical attention. With the help of friends in Uganda, Richett was seen by a doctor in Nebbi and surgery was scheduled for mid-January 2018, just a few days after we were scheduled to leave the area. We recently found out that she didn’t have the surgery. When Richett was examined in January, inflammation had increased and the wound had accumulated a lot of pus, which was causing some rotting in the thigh bones; small pieces of bone were coming out of a small pus-covered opening in her leg. Richett needed surgery to save her leg. Chantal returned again to Paidha after the surgery was cancelled due to a lack of funds to pay for the operation. She was told the surgery would cost 8-10 million Ugandan Shillings (approx. $3,4000 CAD) and would include a longer stay in the hospital for full recovery (up to 3 months). Hospital service in Uganda is unlike that which we receive in North America. The patient must supply everything during the stay, even bedding and all food.
We have been in regular communication with Francis from Titus Centre Ministries (TCM), the organization we ministered side-by-side with during our outreach in Paidha. Francis has agreed to help ensure that all funds raised go directly to Richett for her surgery, hospital stay and care. We have calculated the funds into Canadian dollars and have included travel money to ensure this does not become an obstacle. Any and all donations and prayers are much appreciated. We will keep you updated with any progress.
Blessings,
Sandra and Ian Koster
Organizer
Ian-Sandra Koster
Organizer
Qualicum Beach, BC