Greetings!

        As we commemorate the 23rd annual World AIDS Day, held on December 1st of each year,  let us remember that HIV/AIDS is adversely impacting the lives of people everywhere and everyday.  Many of the children in our program have lost parents, siblings, relatives, and friends to this devastating pandemic.

        The Children of Uganda family lost one of our own graduates this summer - Irene Nassaka.  She lost both parents to AIDS and sadly lost her own battle to the disease in August.  After losing her father, Irene came into our program in 2000.  Shortly thereafter, she joined our dance troupe and traveled to the US on several tours helping to raise money and awareness for the 15 million children worldwide who have lost parents to AIDS.  Her legacy will live on in the lives of the children she helped support through her remarkable talent and courage.     

        Although great strides have been made in HIV treatment and prevention over the past two decades, there is still a vital need to raise funds, promote awareness, combat prejudice and improve educational programs.   

        Please join us and the world today in making a difference on behalf of millions affected by the disease.

Warmest regards,

Pamela Brannon

Executive Director 

P.S. Please e-mail us at pearls@childrenofuganda.org with story ideas, questions or suggestions for upcoming E-Pearls.  We love hearing from you!

Overcoming All Odds

The Story of an HIV+ Mother and her Son

        Cyrus Ssendawula was born on December 28, 1996 to his ailing HIV infected mother.  At a young age, Cyrus also fell very ill and as a result became handicapped.  By the age of 5, Cyrus could hardly move his arms or legs.  He was taken to MildMay Clinic at Mulago Hospital

Cyrus with his mother in the hospital before he became handicapped.

where he received physiotherapy sessions and began using crutches to walk.  While his son was hospitalized and his wife's health condition grew progressively worse, Cyrus's father abandoned his family.

        Without her husband's support, Cyrus' mother struggled for survival, as she recounts, "I was left alone with my son and I did not have any hope left since I was also very sick myself.  I remember Cyrus would crawl and call the neighbors to come and help his sick mom when I was too weak to move.  Cyrus was the only one I had by my side."

        That was until Children of Uganda (COU) recruited Cyrus for primary sponsorship in 2002.  Not only was Cyrus enrolled in school, but he began receiving life-saving HIV treatment using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).  Cyrus is currently studying at St. Theresa Little Way Junior School where he sat for his final P5 (4th grade) exams this past month.  He is anxiously awaiting P6 classes next year.

Supported now by COU, Cyrus is pictured happily here with his mother and little sister.

        Cyrus' mother wished to send a special thank you to her son's sponsor, Laure Redifer.  Without Laure's ongoing support, Cyrus' mother said she would never have managed to take care of her son.  COU has given Cyrus a good education, food, medication and the very crutches he depends on for mobility.

        Through the sale of handmade crafts, his mother has also been able to purchase her own HIV medication.  As a result, her health is improving and she now feels in a position to give back by volunteering at TASO (The AIDS Support Organization).  As a counselor, she shares her personal experiences and knowledge at local schools, churches and civic centers to help the wider HIV community.

Thank you, from Cyrus!

        At the age of 14, Cyrus has gone through so much and yet he is happy and smiling today thanks to our remarkable supporters.  Your generosity and compassion is making a difference in so many young lives - we are forever indebted to you.