When Martin arrived he didn’t use his legs very well. He reminded me a lot of Tatiana when she first came to live with us and now she is running all over the house. Martin’s Grandfather brought him saying that his mother had another baby and could no longer care for Martin. They are from a village about 4 days walk to the nearest air strip.
Can you imagine raising a special needs child? Now take away any rights this child may have to medical care, therapy and schooling. Take away all special rights and support groups. No computer access to search for help. Is this becoming more difficult? Now put yourself 4 days walk by trail, no possibility of a car or bus driving by to pick you up, from the nearest transportation that can then take you to a medical facility that may or may not be able to help you. This is the hopelessness that some loving parents feel.
Martin has now had a procedure to lengthen the tendons in his legs and we hope he will be walking soon.
