Keep a Child Alive

Day 20 - Bashir : His Transformation Continues

A few weeks ago, KCA traveled from Kampala to Jinja to visit our beloved Bashir. We picked him up at a roadside vegetable stand alive with shoppers, boda-boda drivers and women balancing baskets piled high with vegetables on their heads while children scurried at their feet. Even in the crowded marketplace, it was easy to spot Bashir: Tall and still slight in build, his million-watt smile lights up his face and his manner makes him appear to stand head and shoulders above the activity around him. Waving good-bye to his buddies from the front seat of our car, there is no mistaking that Bashir is a man of standing in his community today.

His journey back to life, which we’ve shared throughout the past few years, is the story of the transformation possible with ARVs personified. When he was first admitted to Alive Medical Services, Bashir was given up for dead — but filled with the will to live. His wife, Farida, was pregnant with another baby and in those early days on the ward, as he slipped in and out of consciousness; his thoughts were of her and what would become of his family when he died. With each new day that found him still alive, Bashir became more aware of his surroundings and of the people at Alive Medical Services who, there beside his bed day and night, were caring for him. He did not know their names, only that they were like angels to him, gently holding a spoon to his mouth so he could eat and offering words of encouragement that calmed him into sleep.

As time went by, and Bashir grew stronger, it became apparent that treatment was working. Farida delivered their new baby girl, and both were tested for HIV. While Farida’s test came back positive, they both gave thanks that their child was spared. Farida commenced treatment at the clinic, and her health and hopes continue to remain strong.

Despite having endured painful set-backs throughout his recovery, including the damaging effects of TB which left him with a permanent limp in his right leg, followed by cancer, Bashir’s will to live never wavered: He remains convinced that the worst is behind him.

Having been restored to health, Bashir set about rebuilding the areas of his life that had suffered while he was sick. With the help of a small loan, he opened a boda-boda spare parts shop not far from the main road to Jinja. With funds from the shop, he is now able to send all 7 of his school-aged children to school. Today, he is better able to care for his family, contribute to the well being of his extended family, which lives in the houses around his, and to his community as a whole.

Winding deep into the sugar cane fields, our car passes a small school where a crowd of kids wave from the side of the road. The mass of brightly colored blue, red and white-checkered school uniforms lets out a collective giggle of excitement at the sight of us. Bashir sees his own children in the group and calls out to them. As if they’ve seen a superstar, the crowd of children erupts into a cheer. It’s a fitting welcome home for a hero like Bashir.
Bashir’s story is another reason why we do what we do at Keep a Child Alive. Text BUYLIFE to 90999 to give $10 to help us continue these daily inspirational stories of hope, love and strength.

See all of our Daily Inspirations.