As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities I am reminded of eight-year old Nicholas from North Western Kenya who was born with Spina bifida. When Nicholas was born, the midwives had no hope of him seeing the end of the day. A huge, open sac-like growth covered most part of his lower back, and none of the health staff at the hospital could explain to the mother what was wrong with her baby boy. They instead advised her not to breastfeed the boy, hoping that he would die from hunger!  According to the midwives, the baby was not worth caring for, as the chances of him surviving were very slim.

However, with tears rolling down her cheeks, Emily requested to be discharged with her baby since the midwives had made it clear to her that the baby could not be attended. Emily’s long journey seeking medical help began immediately after she left the hospital. At a nearby referral hospital, she was asked to wait for two months before her baby could be operated on, as there was a long list of patients waiting to be attended. While contemplating her next move, Emily heard about BethanyKids, and two days later Nicholas was operated on.

It has been eight years since Nicholas’ back was closed by surgeons, and, according to Emily, she has done everything possible to prove to the midwives that they were wrong! Even though Nicholas is unable to walk because of complications related to Spina bifida, his charming smile and adorable face is enough evidence that surgical care of children with disabilities is indeed necessary. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities we celebrate Nicholas’ mother for not giving up on her son, when everyone else around her had lost hope.