Thank you so much to everyone who has been supporting Joel, whether through donations, kind messages or prayers. Your response has meant a great deal.
As a reminder, Joel is a 12-year-old pupil who has been part of Child of Hope for eight years. He was recently admitted to hospital after becoming critically ill due to fluid in his lungs and around his heart (original story is here).
We're very thankful to report that there has been some improvement. Joel is now in the main hospital in Mbale and is slowly starting to regain strength. His breathing has become more stable, and he's even managing a little food. Doctors are now encouraging him to sit up and move around when he can — a real step forward.
In Uganda, hospitals don't provide meals or nursing care, so we have arranged for Grace (pictured left), one of the mums from our school community, to stay with Joel. Our school nurse, Stella (centre), is also supporting him, as Joel's mum has additional needs and is unable to manage his hospital care.
If you'd still like to contribute towards Joel's care, you can do so via the link below. Any funds raised beyond what's needed will go towards healthcare support for other pupils at Child of Hope.
And please keep holding him in your prayers — Joel still has a way to go, but we're so encouraged by how far he's come.