Gabriel is a returning patient that has come to CURE Kenya for multiple surgeries. He was named after the angel Gabriel who came to proclaim Jesus’ birth. “Gabriel is like a testimony for me,” Esther said. Born a few weeks premature, Gabriel was born with a whole lot of struggles. He spent the first months of his life in the hospital and almost a year wearing a nasogastric (NG) tube in his nose for feeding. He was going to have a feeding tube placed, but Esther told us, “I prayed, I prayed, I prayed!” Then one day, Gabriel took the NG tube out himself! Thankfully, after a visit to the doctor, they started feeding Gabriel without the NG tube, and over time, things got easier.
Gabriel has various health struggles involving his eyes, his speech, his spine, and his feet. “I used to hide him. I was so scared,” Esther told us. This is a common reaction for mothers in Niger whose children have significant health struggles. But thankfully, Esther fought for her son. “My wish is for Gabriel to get well!” She made sure he had speech therapy, physical therapy, and also had serial casting for his clubfeet. They trusted in God to provide and he has done just that. Gabriel’s parents are astonished that they have been able to afford the medical care that Gabriel has received and believe that God has provided the way.
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Gabriel and his mom, Esther. -
Gabriel and his dad, Steve.
“I wish all the best for his legs,” Esther told us. Now, Esther’s wish is coming true. After months of casting and waiting, Gabriel arrived at CURE for his surgery to correct his clubfeet, along with casting for his spine.
“Gabriel is a marvelous boy,” Steve, Gabriel’s dad, told us. “I love this boy despite the difficulties, which are part of being human,” he said of Gabriel’s health challenges. His parents have fought for their son and made it through a lot. “Also he’s a very bright boy,” Steve said. Although there are challenges, Steve has seen positive changes. “I’m telling you God is great! I’m seeing a lot of improvement,” he rejoiced.
Gabriel’s improvements haven’t happened overnight. But, because of the love and care shown to him, along with the prayers of his mother and father, changes are happening. All glory to God!
About AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya
CURE Kenya has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 1998. We were Africa’s first orthopedic teaching hospital when it opened in Kijabe. More than just providing life-changing surgeries, CURE cares for the emotional and spiritual needs of all our patients. Our teaching hospital has 47 beds, four operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic.
