Cure 250 Children with Burkitt Lymphoma in Africa

Emmanuel is a 12 year old boy whose parents are subsistence farmers. His family, including his five siblings, live in the Palwo Parish in the Bobi sub-county in the Omoro District in northern Uganda.

He became unwell in 2018 and his parents sought treatment from health facilities nearby his home. Because his condition did not improve, his parents brought him to St Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu where he could undergo medical investigations that were not available in his community health centers. Following these tests at St Mary's that included a biopsy, it was determined that he had Burkitt lymphoma. A total of six cycles of chemotherapy were planned in order to give him the best chance of remission and long-term cure.  

Because he was very ill when he came to St Mary’s Hospital and remained ill after treatment was started, it would have been difficult for him to return home in-between treatment cycles.  Therefore, the team responsible for caring for him made the decision that he and his mother should stay at the hospital’s Family Home.  The Family Home offers many services and one of the services included the ability to attend the Rainbow Family Home School on days when he was feeling well and not having chemotherapy. Initially, Emmanuel was painfully shy at the school so it was not easy for him to answer questions asked of him and or to ask questions if he did not understand something being discussed in class.  He was also aware that he was very behind other children in terms of the basics – reading, writing and arithmetic. But, Emmanuel was very determined to improve and he attended school daily.  He grew more and more self-confident  such that he progressed in his studies and was able to really enjoy participating in both school and non-school related activities with the other children.

Emmanuel completed treatment shortly before Christmas. Although he was discharged from the hospital early in the New Year, his mother says that the family will bring him back for monthly follow up visits to ensure that he remains free of Burkitt lymphoma.

His mother expressed her thanks to everyone who supports this project.  Without your donations, Emmanuel would not have been able to receive free treatment and to stay at the Family Home.  She wants you to know how important the school was in improving not only his academic skills, but his social skills, too.  She stated that he is always willing to help the younger kids being treated with cancer by offering whatever support he can.  And, Emmanuel would like you to know that he wants to become a medical worker when he gets older so that he can help children with cancer.  Thanks again for all of your donations that helped this young boy to overcome his Burkitt lymphoma so that he can fulfill his dreams for the future!!!