Deborah is an incredible young woman. If I had to describe her in only two words they would be: strong and passionate. Like so many children her age in Uganda, she has over come so much to be the person she is today. She has one of the biggest and brightest smiles you'll ever see. Whether it's playing soccer with the boys or taking care of one of the younger kids, Deborah doesn't hold back. She lives life to the fullest.
One of my favorite stories of Deborah took place earlier this year in January (2009). Bringing Hope to the Family was putting on a youth conference for all the kids in the community. Part of the conference included field games. They set up a tight rope between two trees and the kids had to try and crawl across it on their stomaches. It was extremely difficult (I know because I tried and failed). Debra was the only one out of over fifty kids who made it across. Not only did she do it once, but she did it again just for kicks. I remember seeing the focused determination in her eyes as she balanced in the middle of the rope... all the while everyone was standing around watching and chanting Deborah! Deborah! Deborah!
Deborah inspires hope. If she can smile so brightly in the midst of such heart ache... then so can we all!
Deborah! Deborah! Deborah!
-Travis Gravette
CHRISTOPHER'S STORY
Christopher has been a good friend of ours for years. When we heard he had a bad case of malaria we were deeply concerned. We have lost several friends to malaria over the past few years, so we are all too familiar with its ability to kill.
Christopher was very fortunate that the disease was caught early on. He was given medication and put on an IV to rehydrate his body. Christopher's story is only one of millions. The problem is that far too many of those stories do not have a happy ending.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent malaria, there are many safeguards and steps that can be taken to highly reduce the risk of being infected. Mosquito nets with proper insecticide treatment, mattresses, blankets and repairing holes in the home can all be used in conjunction to keep mosquitos out at night. This is when the risk of being infected with malaria is highest and most likely.
Join us in the fight against malaria. Become an Ally and start an Action Group to raise money for mosquito nets, or go to the needs page and donate now.
