Amos W., 17

Amos is a 17-year-old boy and the eldest of four siblings. He is currently in Grade 10 at a rural public secondary school. He lives with his family, where his father is the sole breadwinner, running a small business selling second-hand clothes. The family depends entirely on the modest earnings from this venture to meet their basic needs. They rent a house, share a pit latrine with neighbors, and draw their drinking water from a nearby well. Amos has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease. A day ago, he began feeling unwell, but due to financial constraints, his father could only afford to buy painkillers from a nearby chemist. Unfortunately, Amos’s condition worsened despite the medication. The family hoped he would recover, but with no money to seek further care, they were left helpless. He was later referred to Helpster Charity, where he was assessed and registered for support. Currently, Amos is suffering from severe dizziness and weakness, making it difficult for him to attend school regularly. His teachers have expressed concern over his frequent absences from class.

Amos, who has sickle cell disease, was diagnosed with moderate anemia. He was treated with antibiotics, rehydration fluids, and medication specific to sickle cell management. As his condition improved, he was discharged to continue his recovery at home. During a follow-up call, a Helpster volunteer spoke with his relieved and happy mother, who shared that Amos has fully recovered and returned to his usual routine, including going back to school. She added, “I was so worried when he got sick and wasn’t improving even after using drugs from chemists. Receiving proper hospital care has been the greatest blessing for my family. Thank you so much.”

Amos was treated and given drugs as needed and if this intervention could have not been done on time it could have resulted to organ damage, pain, and increased risk of infection.