Help Destitute Moms with AIDS Care for Their Kids

In 2001 we welcomed a new family of four  into our AIDS Patient Family Support Program  (FSP)  . The father had AIDS  and  died  in 2002, shortly after the family joined the program, leaving behind  the mother then about age 30 and two young daughters  age 3 and   age 5.  All were HIV positive. And although not symptomatic  with  AIDS,  everyone has been in and out of periods of very  poor health. Over the years,  the mother developed AIDS and was at times quite ill.   Thankfully due to access to medical care and  availability of  appropriate medications, all three members of this family  are still  together today despite facing many serious health challenges due to their HIV status.

Cambodia is a country, where until quite recently, it was thought to be that only about 40% of all elementary school students even entered high school, and fewer still  graduated.  Currently  the youngest daughter , an average student,  is about to graduate from High School and  she has  hopes finding an office  job. The older daughter ,  just now  20,  has managed to get a  job doing part time office work.

The family still lives in their original modest home and over the years, the mother  has worked, health permitting,   in a  market stall,  in the Central Market . She  now  earns  about $ 150 per month.

The FSP still  continues to support this family by paying  school uniform, supply and other  fees for the high school student ( about $10 to $ 15  per month)   and by providing a  modest food allowance to the family  of $ 40 per month. 

In the  early years, this fragile family  could have not survived without the help given by our program. When the mother’s health was quite bad, our  program’s weekly home visits, assistance in providing access to medical care and medicines were  the lifeline that held this family together. Now, over these many years, this fragile family has  aspired , quite simply, to have  an ordinary life.

In our developed world, a goal of  achieving an ordinary life might be looked down upon. However, for families in our program,  aspiring to and having an " ordinary life"  is the stuff from which dreams are made.

Success stories like these are only possible due to the kindness of our supporters. We are deeply grateful to you all for your generous support. It truly does make a difference. 

Barbara & Mark Rosasco

Links:

• Kasumisou Foundation