The Gift of Life: Your Generosity Gave John a Second Chance

John has faced more hardship than any child should endure at just six years old.

A member of one of our community programs in Uganda, John lives with his mother and four siblings. John’s father was brutally murdered, and his mother is sick with HIV. With his dad gone and mom struggling, John has a difficult time understanding why all of this happened to him.

As Christmas approached, John couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. He’d always loved the holiday season. But last year, it seemed to hold nothing but sadness.

And then just when things felt like they couldn't get any worse, he fell ill with malaria. John was confined to his bed, too weak to even lift his head. Malaria can be deadly, especially for one as young as John. And his mom wasn’t able to take care of him the way he needed.

When it seemed like hope was fading, you stepped in. When our field team learned of John’s struggle, your kindness and generosity made it possible for them to provide him with the medical treatment he needed to recover from his illness. And to help brighten his Christmas spirit, they gifted him with new clothes and candy.

He was on the brink of losing his precious life. But thankfully, you helped him to recover. And you restored his hope.

Thanks to your kindness, we get to see something that we didn’t think we’d see again: his smile. You gave him the chance to live and love and hope again.