Our Children
"One child at a time...." That is our dream, to make a difference in the life of just one child in some significant manner, be it health, nutrition, education, or family unity. All it takes is just one child to smile and thrive for TTLF to be a success, and with your support we are making that possible. First one child, then another, then another.
We would like to share just a few stories of the children who have thrived under the nurturing care of TTLF, and in doing so show how your support is making a very real difference. While it is impossible to share the story of every TTL child, now numbering over 200 and growing daily, we would still like to feature a few representative stories. Each story is unique. Each child is a special blessing.
Dreams and Smiles
Likheto came to the TTLF orphaned by the death of both parents - his mother dying shortly after his premature birth eight weeks early and weighing under four pounds. The photo at the left shows how small he was, and round the clock tube feeding by the loving staff for the next month turned around his severe malnutrition. On the right is Likheto at the age of one year, seen during outreach clinic, living with his loving grandparents. The food, clothing, and toys provided by TTLF are evident in the photo - including one bulging "little" tummy!
Palesa was the most malnourished child ever admitted to the TTLF safehome. Too weak to suck or move, only continual 24 hour care by the staff allowed for a glimmer of hope. Yet, within just a few days, Palesa was smiling, thriving, and giggling with every approaching feeding! Now, six months later, Palesa indeed a poster child for the loving care and nutrition she has received at the safehome!
Tseli arrived at the safehome orphaned by the death of both parents, and also HIV positive. The virus, as seen on the left photo, was ravaging her face with fungal infection. At the time she became one of the first children in Lesotho to receive anti-retro viral AIDS (ARV) medications through the efforts of the TTLF staff. Now, shown on the right, Tseli just celebrated her fifth birthday and is a thriving, energetic, gorgeous young girl.
In Memory
In spite all of our love and medical care, not every child is able to survive the ravages of AIDS. That sad fact is what keeps all of us motivated - to save just one more impacted child when possible. Lebo arrived at TTL in a critical state, unable to hold up his head due to the advanced neurologic complications of tuberculosis brought on by AIDS. Despite a brief period of improved health after arriving at the safehome, Lebo lost his life to AIDS in the summer of 2006. He passed from this life in the loving arms of his TTLF family - a belief we hold dearly to that every child should feel comfort and compassion in those final moments. In his memory and spirit we continue our work.