Emmanuel Lubaale (Emma) is a charming 3 year old boy. He is the second born of three children. His father is a teacher in a government school. His mother was a student at Makerere University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree; she had to discontinue her education to take care of her ill child (Emma).
Emma’s illness started when he was six month’s old. At first it seemed that he had recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, severe malaria and severe anemia. He was in and out of hospital and had several blood transfusions. After one and a half years of this recurrent sickness several tests revealed that Emma had Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L.).
Emma was referred from Mulago Hospital to the Uganda Cancer Institute where he received three courses of chemotherapy inductions, but sadly the cancer did not go into remission. At this point his family had depleted their financial resources on Emma’s treatment and could not afford more chemotherapy. Fortunately Emma’s parents met a very kind man named Jimmy one of the Hope Ward sponsors. Jimmy referred Emma and his family to the Hope Ward at International Hospital Kampala.
Emmanuel was then admitted to the Hope Ward where he was started on a fourth course of chemotherapy induction in January 2008 and he completed it in May 2008. Repeat tests (Bone marrow aspirate) showed no evidence of cancer in Emma’s bone marrow; the cancer had gone into remission.
Emma is now on consolidation chemotherapy (which is less aggressive) which will go on for up to 2 or 3 years. Emma is now back at home and whenever he visits the hope ward for follow up visits he brings such joy to the nurses and medical team. It is so exciting to see him so happy and active. He is a very special boy. Just seeing Emma makes one realize that all we put into the Hope Ward is more than worth it.
Many thanks to the Hope Ward team and sponsors; indeed you are making a difference in many people’s lives in Uganda.
