01/14/2008 :: brother and sister rescued by ZOE

A sister (named Bit) and brother (named Gam) 11 and 9 years old, were rescued! The initial reports indicated that their father was a drug addict and died of AIDS. Their mother suffers from a mental disability and has also contracted AIDS.

When our team assessed the situation, we learned that their mother was no longer able to take care of herself or her children. The children were severely neglected and had to beg for food.

Their former house burned down to the ground and they were now living in a very small shack. The fire not only destroyed their home, but it also severely burned Gam’s arm along with some portions of his head and face. The arm was so severely burned and the scar tissue was so thick, that he could not extend his arm out fully. The villagers nicknamed him “bent arm” because of this.

With their mother unable to take care of them, it was only a matter of time before something bad would happen to these children. ZOE intervened to bring a new future for both of these children. We tested both children and neither had AIDS or HIV! They are healthy, safe and thriving children!

Recently, Gam had the first of two corrective surgeries on his arm so that he can fully extend it. This expensive surgery was made possible by a generous donor who designated a contribution for Gam’s arm. Now, both children are being loved and cared for at ZOE Children’s Homes.

The names of these children were changed for this story to protect their dignity and identities.