The past few days have been extremely long and exhausting, bouncing between several different clinics and overcrowded hospitals in Monrovia trying to help Jessi. I've battled with arrogant, corrupt, callous doctors and administrators and also met some lovely caring people who are grateful and supportive of what I'm doing. I also have found Jessi's family and have a better understanding of how Jessi got into this terrible situation in the first place (long story) and what exactly is wrong with him. As it turns out, he has a very serious condition known as chronic osteomyelitis, basically a severe bone infection in both his right arm and leg. It is likely that he will be in the hospital for a couple of months and that he will require surgery. It is also likely that I will come back to Liberia to follow-up in person and oversee some of his treatment.
In my few remaining days in Liberia, I am going to make sure that there is a system in place here so that he is taken care of once I'm gone. Thankfully, I have amazing friends and colleagues who are going to keep an eye on him for me and who will help me communicate with his doctors and pay for his care and treatment. It's going to be excruciating to leave on Monday, but at least I can leave knowing that this boy, my boy, is alive and off the streets. I know I've undertaken an enormous long-term responsibility, but I cannot think of a more worthy cause than saving the life of this child.
No comments:
Post a Comment