Just before we came to Ethiopia, two of our school’s teachers had a baby born with two spinal discs open (no skin). Nagusse and Fanosey are the proud parents of Baby Debora. They were able to receive the financial assistance (through previous volunteers) necessary to connect the discs and graft skin over the wound. After the surgery, a new problem developed when water began amassing on Debora’s brain. The family was able to use the remaining funds for surgeries that would contain the swelling and remove some fluid. Debora has been at home with mom and dad in recent months. Her condition has been stable, but critical.
Nagusse and Fanosey have been leaders in the community for years. Though this painful experience has left many questions, they have continued to love Baby Debora and serve the school’s children. Two weeks ago, Debora came down with a serious infection. Andrea and I have visited the family in the local hospital and witnessed the normally quiet and happy baby irritable with pain. Her life is again at risk. Project Mercy doctors would like to refer her to the one hospital in Ethiopia with a neurologist… but the family is waiting in Yetebon because of the financial costs. While small by U.S. standards, the $500-1,000 needed for advanced care is too much for almost all Ethiopians. We are supporting Nagusse and Fanosey and ask that our friends and family would first pray and then consider partnering financially with us. A gift of $10, $25, $50, $100, or above would make a huge difference. Please write us at info@AaronAndAndrea.com for more information or give directly by:
- Sending a check directly to : Aaron Smith; 14216 Lake Forrest Rd.; Siloam Springs, AR 72761
- Giving via Paypal: see right column of webpage
- Direct Depositing to Arvest Bank: get bank information at info@AaronAndAndrea.com.
Debora with friends as a newborn (before the surgery). Mom is in the background.
Hey Aaron and Andrea-
Scott forwarded me this post.
I know you guys don’t know me, but I’m the girl in the orange shirt in the picture with Deborah.
Just wanted to say thanks to both of you for your service @ PM!! Yetebon is a wonderful place to call home, I miss it a lot. If you think of it, I would really appreciate you sending my greetings and love on to the kids and teachers. (I saw Yednik painting or something in one of your pictures and thought, “hey, that’s MY room!” Yednikachew is hilarious, I’m happy to see a bit of him and the others’ lives from this past year through you guys.)
Please let Niguisse and Fanose know I am praying for them and Deborah.
Thanks for the update.
Continue to enjoy your time in Ethiopia!!
Good to hear from you Abbey.. We always are reminded the fun you and Kaitlynn had with the students. We spoke with Nagusse last night and he was very excited to hear that many brothers and sisters were praying for him. Blessings…
Hi Aron and Andria
I hope u remember me. i leave project mercy while u were their. i know Debora too. i”ve been their twice and she seems fine but she needs help i have nothing to do for her exept praying. but guys what u trying is very helpful let me thank u on behalf of them let god be with her and u.
Benny, it’s so good to hear from you! I’m glad you are able to keep visiting… it was so difficult to say goodbye to so many friends, but we know God has a purpose for all things.