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SPECIAL NOTICE Regarding Our 3/18/22 Press Release:

Organizations we believe are well-grounded in the correct information to advise donors and volunteers in the US who are interested in providing help to children in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. This is not an endorsement of specific programs of these organizations; only of their integrity and the validity of the information they provide.

Please note that we will continue to update this list as we vet organizations:

Hope and Homes for Children. https://www.hopeandhomes.org/
Ukraine Orphan Appeal. https://www.ukraineorphans.org/

Tikonko outreach refers very sick child to Mercy Hospital

5/31/2018

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On a recent outreach to Tikonko village, the Mercy medical team saw an extremely sick baby named Adama, who was suffering from severe diahrrea and vomiting. The child was restless, irritable and disoriented. The team brought her back to the hospital for treatment, accompanied by her mother Hawa. At the hospital, Adama was diagnosed with severe malaria.

On admission, Dr. Sao Amara prescribed medication, which was provided free of cost. The nurses administered the drugs and Adama was kept under observation in the hospital until the vomiting and diarrhea stopped. Hawa stayed with her baby for two days until she was alert, oriented and stable. Dr. Amara reported that "the mother is very happy for her child's health and the child has been discharged." There is no doubt that the outreach team saved little Adama's life.

Tikonko village is one of the places served by Mercy Hospital's outreach team.

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No place like home

5/21/2018

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The remaining children in the residential program enjoyed spending Sierra Leone Independence day with their families, returning with stories and good news.

Norman Koroma and his sister Kadijah will soon be reunified to live with their extended family. “I am very happy to go and see my family and friends at home and within the community,” Norman exclaimed.  He played football with his friends, and was very happy to meet with other boys in the community.

Norman and Kadijah enjoyed a special meal of fish balls, rice and soup prepared by their aunt. They went to church on Sunday, and afterwards he had lunch with his grandmother at home. “I am also very grateful that the CRC has been sending me home to connect back with my relatives. Now I can go to the community with a sense of belonging, and not as a complete stranger," Norman said.

Janet Musa also enjoyed the Independence holiday with her parents, brothers, and sisters at home, where they played the "lodo" game and enjoyed a meal of cassava leaf.  On Saturday, Janet helped her mother wash her clothes and went with her grandmother to visit her uncle. On Sunday, Janet and her sisters went to church.

For Janet, the most fun was playing stone ball with her sisters and friends at home. “I look forward to going back to my forever family soon. I am happy for the CRC for tracing my family and connecting me with them."

Edwina Davies spent her holiday visit with her grandmother. On Independence Day her grandmother prepared her favorite food, rice and cassava leaves with oil. “My grandmother is living with my five cousins. The whole family was very happy to have me join them on that weekend. My cousins and I played a lot just like we did at CRC.  In the morning, I am the first to get up from my bed and woke everybody up for devotion. After the devotion, I greeted everybody at home. My grandmother told my cousins to copy my good examples of saying thank you, praying at devotions and greeting everybody in the morning," Edwina said proudly.

Abdulai Dakowa spent his holiday with his mother Saffie Dakowa, his elder brother Lahai, and his younger sister Nyalima. Abdulai said his family was very happy to have him spend the holiday with them.  On Independence Day, their family attended a morning service at church.

Abdulai enjoyed participating in family activities. “During my stay with them, I always helped my mother in the evening hours to water the plants in the garden. My mother is a gardener. She sells potato leaves and krain, and uses the income for food and school lunch for the family. I also helped my brother to clean the house.  After we have finished all our house chores we studied together. Thank God to the CRC for teaching me all these domestic activities, and for connecting me with my family,"

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Baby updates from Mercy Hospital

5/21/2018

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Baby Betty was rescued from severe malnutrition by the Mercy outreach staff, and her story was shared in the April 2017 newsletter. A year later, and Betty is out of danger, a healthy and beautiful little toddler. Last month was Betty’s 12th visit to the nutrition program (her mother has been one of the most consistent participants). It was also the first time she was in the “green” range of the MUAC*, and she may be eligible to graduate from the program this month.

Last year we also shared stories about Baby Mamie (original story here and update here) a severely malnourished infant first encountered by the Mercy outreach team in Tikonko village. A year later, and Mamie has made significant improvement; although still small, she is a healthy, active toddler. Mamie is on her 6th visit to the nutritional clinic, and she is “yellow” now, moving towards green.

*Interpretation of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) indicators

MUAC less than 110mm (11.0cm), RED COLOUR, indicates Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The child should be immediately referred for treatment.
MUAC of between 110mm (11.0cm) and 125mm (12.5cm), RED COLOUR (3-colour Tape) or ORANGE COLOUR (4-colour Tape), indicates Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). The child should be immediately referred for supplementation.
MUAC of between 125mm (12.5cm) and 135mm (13.5cm), YELLOW COLOUR, indicates that the child is at risk for acute malnutrition and should be counselled and followed-up for Growth Promotion and Monitoring (GPM).
MUAC over 135mm (13.5cm), GREEN COLOUR, indicates that the child is well nourished.

Baby Betty

Baby Mamie

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Tikonko outreach refers very sick child to Mercy Hospital

No place like home

Baby updates from Mercy Hospital

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