We have done it!
The New Hope Children’s hostel now has a permanent home for disadvantaged children battling cancer.
Thank you so much for your faith in supporting us on this journey. It was a daunting task to think back in October when we found out that the rental premises were for sale that we could achieve this goal of buying a permanent home for the hostel.
We were overwhelmed with the response and generosity from the local communities and our international friends. At one stage, the owner of the premises, substantially increased the original sale price, and we were unable to proceed but fortunately we did have a Plan B and identified another suitable property nearby. With your prayers and generosity, you made it happen, and it means that we can continue into the future to help these children and make a real difference to the lives of these children.
Currently we are updating the premises to house the children and their caregivers, and we hope to move in at the end of July. The new premises provide us with more space and area for the children to play in a safe environment. It is very close to KHC medical facility.
We certainly have something to celebrate.
More Good News
Elijah, is 7 years old, and he arrived at New Hope Children’s Hostel in March 2023 with his mother.
In 2021, he developed a small, painless swelling on the left side of his neck and as it was painless, his mother didn’t worry at first. However, when the swelling grew in the following year, she took him to the local hospital. He was treated for an abscess but there was no improvement. His doctors suspected cancer and referred Elijah to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
A biopsy was done, by Ugandan Institute of Cancer (UIC) and at this time, Elijah’s mother, was heavily pregnant, and worried about where to stay and how to care for her son, especially after losing a one-year-old child and being unsupported by the father of her unborn baby. Thanks to the social workers at Mulago, she was referred to New Hope Children’s Hostel.
At the hostel, the family found comfort, accommodation, food and were provided with counselling support. Elijah was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began six cycles of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. He completed his treatment in September 2023 and is now on three-month reviews and he remains in good health. During her stay, Elijah’s mother safely delivered her baby with the help of the hostel team. Nurses cared for both mother and baby, provided meals and ensured she was well-fed, and caregivers of other children at the hostel supported Elijah when he had treatment at the hospital. This good news also gives the other children undergoing treatment, hope.
We do rely on donations to help us provide, food, transport, counselling and medicines for the children. For example, 180 healthy meals are prepared each day for the 30 children and their caregivers. Now that is some grocery bill!
If you are in a position that you can help you can donate through GlobalGiving at
Help Poor Children with Cancer to Access Treatment – GlobalGiving