Child Story

The pictures in this story were removed to protect the childs privacy. Sorry that we can't provide you with an image to match the story.
We have talked a lot about Johnny (not his real name to protect his privacy) in our blog, and here is his story:
In October 2002 while attending to AIDS patients in Freedom Park, our nurse Janice Cole discovered Kerry (not her real name) and her baby boy, Johnny. Kerry was very sick and having trouble caring for her son. When Janice Cole offered to help by bringing Johnny to the Shelter, Kerry gratefully accepted the help. The first day of Johnny’s stay with us was quite traumatic for everyone. The little 7 month old was covered in scabies from head to toe and suffering from malnutrition. He had to be fed through a feeding tube and Johnny would moan and cry through the day and night due to his suffering. By the end of November 2002, little Johnny was suffering so terribly that we asked God to ease his pain, even if that meant to take Johnny home with Him. Within days, Johnny started to get stronger. He began to eat more efficiently. His skin which had pealed and its pigment due to the scabies started to heal. He began to communicate more through expression and gratefully, his pain decreased. Although Kerry did not get well enough to care for him she continued to ask about his condition. It brought great comfort to her to know how well Johnny was being provided for. In March of 2003, we took Johnny to visit his mommy which turned out to be the last time. Kerry died within a month. Johnny turned 2 years old in March 2004 and we are so excited about his improvements. He has begun gaining weight. We all see Johnny as our little miracle baby! He is a wonder and a delight to everyone who comes in contact with him. We don’t know what the future holds for Johnny, but we are committed to caring for him throughout his life.
We celebrated Johnny's fourth birthday last month. Johnny truly is a wonderful, delightful little boy with quite the personality. Sometimes he acts like a grumpy old man trapped in a little body and wants nothing to do with you. Other times he just wants you to hold him and give him your undivided attention. Johnny is still sick, but has made huge improvements since he has been at Lighthouse Children’s Shelter. Johnny is covered from head to toe with eczema and the socks on his hands keep him from scratching himself everywhere. Please pray for “Johnny”.