Erick Akida Trust Fund

One of the most pressing dilemmas facing Tanzanian families today is affordable access to quality health care. The Akida family faced such a situation when their seven-year-old son, Erick, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004. Initially the doctor suggested to Erick's parents that he had little or no chance of survival and should accept the situation, rather than pursue treatment options. They were fortunate to come across a physician who supported their efforts and offered encouragement.

		Erick Akida However with no money to pay for a life saving operation and facing an inadequate medical system, including its limitation of available services, the family was forced to seek private assistance in raising funds to send Erick abroad for emergency treatment. In response, the Boona-Baana Center established a medical trust fund for Erick and donated $1,500 USD towards his medical expenses. Today, four years later, he is an 11-year-old boy who warms a room with his smile and sense of humor. Erick is a healthy child attending a regular community school. Although he is developmentally delayed and requires ongoing help to keep up with his schoolwork, he is a very social and creative child who participates well in school activities. He has far exceeded anyone's expectations for a successful recovery
		Gloria (ear surgery) Right now we are fundraising to send a Tanzanian child to India for ear surgery. This is a very unusual situation, since Gloria cannot hear is because she has no openings in her ears - they are completely closed shut. Our goal is to raise $3800 to cover all of the expenses to send this little girl abroad for this necessary surgery. What a world would open up for her to hear for the first time!
Past recipients of the Erick Akida medical trust fund
		Issakwisa Justine (Ear Surgery) Green Door Home Resident Issakwisa Justine (Ear Surgery) Issackwisa joined the Green Door Home in 2004 after living in the Kurasini Orphanage. He had a series of untreated ear infections that resulted in profound hearing loss. As a result, it was difficult for him to fully communicate in Swahili and to learn English. In December 2006, Issackwisa returned from successful surgery in India. His quality of life has greatly improved since his hearing has been restored to 90% in one ear and 40% in the other; he now wears a hearing aid to school.
		David Kalambalo (Heart Surgery) March 2007
		Emmanuel Goga (Heart Surgery) July 2004
		Sylvester Deo (Heart Surgery) February 2008