Hope

Lesotho has the third highest HIV prevalence in the world.  Just under one in four people in the country are living with HIV.  These statistics are astonishing, and they are real.

When Bloom’s founder, Andrew Steele, went to Lesotho in 2009, he met a small boy named Kopano.  Kopano was the youngest brother of Tiisetso, a teenage boy full of personality.  At the time, Kopano was a typical four year old boy, laughing and smiling at all of the world’s simplicities.  When Andrew lived in southern Africa in 2010-2011, he got to visit Kopano’s family a few times and grew closer with them.  He ate with them, did laundry together, and simply spent time in their company.  At this point, Kopano was older and he was now visibly sick.  He was not growing like a normal boy should.  His grandmother, Rose, thought that he was HIV positive, but could never get him diagnosed correctly because she could not afford the taxi fare to the hospital.

Andrew and Rose during one of the visits

Andrew knew he had to do something.  He turned to the non-profit that he started for this purpose.  What could Bloom do to help Kopano?  Bloom Africa began working with our local partners and funded the taxi fare for Rose to take him to Baylor AIDS Clinic in the capital city, Maseru.  We also made sure to cover the fees associated with the doctor’s visit.  During Kopano’s visit, the doctors found out he was not HIV positive, and was receiving medication for HIV positive adults by mistake, something that also made him sick.  Instead, Kopano was severely malnourished.  The startling, but actually somewhat positive news was enough to give Rose the motivation to make sure he becomes well.  We helped with getting basic food staples for Kopano and his family so they wouldn’t deal with severe malnutrition again.  We also gave Rose a small loan to start selling snacks in order to create a profit making operation to allow a sustainable income for food.

Kopano

Mosa Makutsoane, a Bloom Africa board member and Lesotho native, grew up in the capital city of Maseru.  She went to Roma, Lesotho, in September to check in on a few of Bloom’s projects.  Roma is where Rose, Tiisetso and Kopano live.  While Mosa was there, she got the chance to see Kopano and his grandmother, Rose.   After hearing Rose’s story again, she told Mosa that “taking Kopano to Baylor literally saved his life.” 

Mosa with Kopano and his friend

In an email to Bloom members about that day, Mosa said, “It’s one thing to hear how well he is doing, but to see how rejuvenated and amazing he’s looking is too good.” 

This is the best news that Bloom could have hoped for.  As we search to find the healthiest partnerships and ways to make our greatest impact, we come across certain scenarios that require action.  This was one of them.  We hope for a future where there is no need for our assistance in this way.  But for now, when we can, we will ensure children aren't suffering or losing their lives to preventive causes.  And to know that Kopano is now a healthy and happy boy gives us immense joy, happiness and appreciation.