Parent Name: Kamil Said
Patient name: 1. Abdurehman Bedye – Age 10
2. Ali Bedye – Age 5
Abdureman and Ali came from South of Ethiopia 400 Km from Addis Ababa, in particular place called Hulab in SNNRP. Both of children have Hodgikins Lymphoma and they were referred to Tikur Anbessa Hospital. But before they came to Addis the mother took them to traditional healer in the area and he gave them some local medicine which did not help. Then she took them to Worabe Hospital in the city and they did a lot of investigation and finally they said it is not possible to treat the boys and they need to go to Tikur Anbessa – at this point they spent almost 4,000 Birr and they sold their cattle and property. It took almost six months before they decided to refer her to Tikur Anbessa. When Kamil learnt that she needs to take her two boys to Addis Ababa she was very worried because she did not know anyone in the capital city. Her husband has to stay home and mind the six children and do the farm, she was the only one that can take the trip. She has also one daughter with metal illness and that worried her as well. Finally, after selling more cattle and support of relatives she was able to come to Addis Ababa and started treatment in Tikur Anbessa Hospital, they took some tests and finally she was sent to D7 Pediatrics hematology/oncology unit. Both kids were admitted and treated, she thought this is it and she wanted to go home but when the doctor told her the treatment might take long time she did not know what to do. She spent in Addis half of her money and whatever left won’t last her that long. She said, “I started crying and the nurses were very kind. I told them I can’t afford to stay in Addis and follow the treatment. Sr. Aster came and told me there is a place to stay and both her kids will get well. I also remember that in the ward when we had coffee parents were talking about a home they stay some coming from really far places”. When the doctor told her that both kids are now outpatients and she can come after three days, she ran to Sr. Aster and asked her to send her to the home that parents with sick children go to. She gave her a paper and asked one parent to help her go to Asko. She thought she had to take a taxi and may be pay for this parent as he is showing her the place. In the afternoon the parent told her to come with him they now will go to the home. He helped her with her things and took them to the bus, they told her it was arranged by TAPCCO, the parents group with support of ASLAN. The home they will stay will provide food and accommodation and Milk is provided by the parents group (ASLAN) every day. She only has to concentrate on taking care of her children and help them get better. Kamil was overwhelmed with all the help and support she got in Addis. She said, “ Addis was something different from what I feared, with the help of TAPCCO I am now having both my children in treatment, both kids are happy and well. My 5 year old had a very big swelling now that swelling is gone, he does not cry at all, he laughs and plays like he used to, my 10 year old is had similar problem but was worried more for his kid brother, he is smiling now and is not afraid anymore for his brother”.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to TAPCCO and people supporting them for giving us hope when we had no one to help us. I would not have got through this dark time without your support.”
