We first met little Shuaka when he was referred to our malnutrition clinic by a doctor at a remote clinic in Mserani. That same clinic has become a very special place to us, as it is now one of the places where Walk in Love holds nutrition clinics and training classes for mothers.
From the moment we met Shuaka, we knew he was a little boy who needed extra care. Shuaka has Down syndrome and tuberculosis, and although he has been receiving treatment for TB, he has never truly been well. His small body has been fighting so much for so long.
A few weeks ago, our outreach to Mserani had to pause for six weeks because of limited funding. When we were finally able to return, we noticed Shuaka was not there. We were deeply concerned. Because we knew how fragile his condition was, we decided to visit his home ourselves.
What we found was heartbreaking.
Shuaka had lost a significant amount of weight and looked far more unwell than the last time we had seen him. It was clear that he was getting weaker. We knew we had to act quickly. Our team began doing everything we could to get him the higher level of care he urgently needed. Because of his diagnoses, his severe weakness, and other physical development concerns, we worked to get him seen by a specialist.
This week, Shuaka was finally able to see the doctor, and the answer was immediate: he needs to be admitted to the hospital right away.
He has now been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and TB, and doctors are still running more tests to understand whether there are additional medical concerns. Right now, what matters most is getting him stabilized and giving him the medical care his precious little life depends on.
The hospital has estimated that Shuaka’s initial stay will be at least two weeks and cost $1,000. This amount will cover his bed, food, medical treatment, testing, and the urgent care he needs to survive and begin to recover.
Shuaka is deeply loved. He is not alone in this fight. Our team is doing everything we can to help save his life, but we cannot do it without you.
Today, we are asking for your help to give Shuaka a chance.
Your donation will help provide the immediate hospital care he needs right now. Every gift, no matter the size, brings him closer to safety, treatment, and hope.
Please help us surround Shuaka with the care he deserves and fight for this little boy’s life.
Thank you for standing with Shuaka.