Our
Patient's Paths
Learn more about our patients and their inspiring journeys. This page celebrates the resilience and courage of those we've had the privilege to support, sharing stories of hope, strength, and healing.
Ayan | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Tear Drainage Blockage
Treatment Location: Kenya
Ayan is a 2-year-old born with a blockage in the tear drainage system. A month after birth, Ayan developed a swollen eye and underwent a tear duct procedure under general anesthesia. However, the blockage persisted, requiring a second procedure at four months. Despite initial concerns about potential malignancy, imaging confirmed that the swelling was non-cancerous. Ayan was diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis.
Due to the high cost and limited access to healthcare, Ayan's family has struggled to find appropriate treatment. His condition poses a risk of infection and requires urgent intervention, likely involving a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) procedure by an oculoplastics specialist.
JHI has taken steps to ensure Ayan receives the treatment he requires, connecting him with healthcare professionals in Kenya. JHI arranged logistics and covered the expenses for Ayan’s treatment.
Azra | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Kidney Conditions
Treatment Location:
Azra was almost 4 years old when she was connected with JHI. She was diagnosed with complex medical conditions related to her kidneys, urinary tract, and colon. Her family sought specialized care in Kenya, but unfortunately, it was not available.
Additionally, she has been coping with other congenital malformations resulting in Azra undergoing medical procedures including a colostomy to address her condition, but she continues to require specialized care.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Azra's resilience and determination shine through, highlighting the importance of access to specialized care for individuals with similar medical complexities.
Caleb | Uganda
Barrier to Health: Metopic Craniosynostosis
Treatment Location:
Just after his first birthday in Uganda, Caleb and his parents received devastating news: he was diagnosed with Metopic Craniosynostosis. This condition caused the bones in Caleb’s skull to fuse prematurely, preventing his brain from growing properly. His parents took him to a hospital in Kampala, Uganda, where doctors warned that without treatment, Caleb could develop increased intracranial pressure, which would hinder his brain's healthy growth.
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This condition is best treated before a child's first birthday, so Caleb urgently needed care. JHI collaborated with two neurosurgeons from Washington, D.C., and Texas to bring Caleb to the U.S. for the necessary treatment. Following his care, Caleb is now in a stable condition, with the possibility of additional treatment in the future if needed.
Freddy | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Severe Burns
Treatment Location:
Freddy is a young man who suffered severe burns as a child after falling into a fire during an epileptic seizure. His injuries left him disfigured and ostracized by his community. A Canadian missionary arranged for a Russian doctor in Rwanda to treat Freddy and he also received care in Kenya.
JHI decided to help Freddy during his treatments in Kenya. We accompanied him on trips for plastic surgeries, cared for him, and encouraged him to embrace his appearance. Freddy's resilience was inspiring, though he continued to suffer from pain due to a metal plate in his jaw that couldn’t be removed due to a lack of funds.
In 2019, after years of pain, we were able to arrange for the metal to be removed, and Freddy's condition improved significantly. Today, he is doing much better, having graduated high school, married, and become a father. Freddy now hopes to study Public Health at university to help others as he was helped.
Jordana | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Facial Palsy, Mastoiditis
Treatment Location: Kenya
Jordana is a 3 year-old girl from Burundi who was diagnosed with facial palsy, mastoiditis, and poor neurocognitive development. Despite her parents' efforts to seek medical treatment in Burundi and neighboring countries, financial limitations prevented them from accessing the care she needed.
After nearly a year of coordination between Jordana’s family and various healthcare providers, JHI was able to secure specialized care for her in Kenya, where a team of two U.S.-trained surgeons provided her treatment. Jordana underwent a successful Tympanoplasty surgery and microsurgical procedure to repair holes in the eardrum. JHI not only funded the surgery but also arranged and covered the costs for her flights, general expenses during her stay in Kenya, and additional tests and treatments.
Joshua | Rwanda
Barrier to Health: Cerebral Palsy
Treatment Location:
Josh was born in Rwanda with cerebral palsy (hemiplegic type), causing one-sided paralysis. He spent seven days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At nine months old, the right side of his body became paralyzed, and by the age of one, his parents noticed that his eyes were not aligned (strabismus).
When Josh began walking, his right foot couldn’t touch the ground, only his toes. Local doctors tried orthopedic shoes and a cast to straighten his leg and flatten his foot, but nothing worked. His vision was also affected, and despite two years of wearing glasses, there has been no improvement.
Doctors recommended seeking treatment outside the country, but Josh’s parents couldn’t afford it. His mother discovered JHI on Facebook and was relieved to find help. Through JHI, Joshua has received the multiple surgeries he needed to improve his health.
Leo | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Severe Burns
Treatment Location:
At just two years old, Leo experienced a life-changing tragedy, accidentally falling into a cooking fire. By the time help arrived, the damage was severe—90% of his face had suffered horrific burns, affecting his nose, eyes, lips, and head, and leaving him with a blind right eye and open wounds.
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In the remote village where Leo lived, advanced medical treatments were beyond reach. Leo required extensive reconstructive surgery—procedures unavailable not just in his village but also in the country.
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Through the support network at JHI, Leo has undergone over 17 surgeries aimed at reconstructing his face, using grafts from his thighs to rebuild his nose and lips. These treatments ensure a higher quality of life and a renewal of hope for Leo and his family.
Lion | Vietnam
Barrier to Health: Congenital Biliary Atresia
Treatment Location: Children's Hospital LA
Lion, a 9-month-old boy from Vietnam, was diagnosed with congenital biliary atresia, a serious condition affecting the liver's bile ducts. His mother reached out to JHI for assistance in securing proper treatment in the United States. In addition to biliary atresia, Lion has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver (F2 scale), with a mildly rough and enlarged liver structure, intrahepatic cholestatic cysts, and a high risk of malnutrition due to poor weight gain. He also suffers from a cow's milk protein allergy, allergy-induced hives, and mild anemia. Unfortunately, Lion cannot receive a liver donation from his parents due to incompatible blood types.
JHI worked to help Lion receive the life-saving care he needs at the Children's Hospital, Los Angeles. JHI also provided outpatient support and ongoing treatment necessary before Lion returned home to Vietnam.
Moses | Zambia
Barrier to Health: Severe Burns
Treatment Location: Boston
Moses was born in Lusaka, Zambia. He faced extreme adversity at just 10 years old when a playful moment at a neighbor's house turned tragic. After pouring methylated spirit on a charcoal brazier, the flames flared up, igniting his clothes and leaving him with severe burns over 35% of his body, including his chest, neck, ear, and right arm. Though the burns eventually healed, they left behind hypertrophic scars and other complications that required specialized medical treatment.
His family turned to JHI for help. Thanks to JHI's support, Moses has made several trips to Boston, receiving vital treatments for his neck, chest, hands, fingers, and legs. JHI ensured he had access to these treatments and other barriers were removed so he could focus on his health journey.
Naomie and Delicia | Burundi (†)
Barrier to Health: Conjoined Twins
Treatment Location: Mass General Hospital (Neg.)
Naomie and Delicia are a pair of conjoined twins who were identified by a JHI affiliate in a local Burundian hospital. Their family had no hope for their treatment. JHI contacted doctors at Mass General Hospital (MGH). MGH agreed to treat the twins for free, provided that JHI covered funding for their travel and other needs.
Tragically, the twins’ visas were denied, and despite efforts to obtain a humanitarian parole visa, they passed away from malaria and other complications before they could receive treatment. This loss was devastating for their family and JHI.
However, MGH doctors offered to collaborate on helping other families who suffered from similar conditions but lacked access. This strengthened our dream of creating global pathways to health.
Simplisa | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Giant Congenital Nevus
Treatment Location: Shriners Children's Chicago
An affiliate of JHI connected us with the family of Simplisa. A girl born with Giant Congenital Nevus, a rare skin condition characterized by dark patches that grow with the body and can lead to melanoma. Despite seeking treatment in various African countries, her family found no viable treatment opportunities.
Through our negotiations, Shriners Children's Chicago agreed to treat her, but the pandemic delayed their plans. Despite this and funding issues, Simplisa was assigned a surgeon at Shriners, but her condition worsened, leading to severe pain and the risk of melanoma.
Laser therapy was attempted but it didn't alleviate her pain. JHI has committed to staying with Simplisa on her treatment journey. We've since found specialists in Chicago who are now treating her.
Toby | Burundi (†)
Barrier to Health: Congenital Heart Disease
Treatment Location: University Hospital Center of Tingandogo
Toby was an almost 9-month-old male infant who had dyspnea, and hypoxemia due to complex congenital heart disease. This has created a significant obstacle to his quality of life and overall life-expectancy. His family couldn’t find the necessary treatment in their home country of Burundi. Through the support of JHI, Toby's family was able to access advanced evaluation and treatment for their son. He was evaluated by JHI’s medical advisory board and a plan was created for his treatment in the United States. Unfortunately, Toby lost his fight. JHI worked tirelessly to ensure he was returned to his family and is now resting in loving memory in Burundi.
Valentine | Rwanda
Barrier to Health: Progressive Anterolateral Bowing
Treatment Location:
Valentine is a 12-year-old girl from Rwanda. Valentine has been living with progressive anterolateral bowing of her legs since birth, which has increasingly impaired her ability to walk. Both of her legs are deformed, and she also experiences mild spinal deformity and pelvic obliquity. Recently, Valentine was diagnosed with anterolateral bowing with pseudoarthrosis in both legs, a condition that requires multiple surgical interventions to correct.
JHI joined Valentine on her journey towards recovery. We are helping her access surgeries necessary to improve her mobility and quality of life.
Vanessa | Rwanda
Barrier to Health: Microtia
Treatment Location: Shriners Hospital in Boston
Vanessa is a 4 year-old girl from Rwanda, who was born with Microtia, a condition where the external parts of her ears are underdeveloped or malformed. This has been a significant challenge for her and her family, but their resilience and hope have never wavered. Her parents, Angelique and Daniel, have been tirelessly seeking the best medical care to ensure Vanessa can lead a life full of opportunities.
JHI was connected with Vanessa and her family, and negotiated her treatment at the Shriners Hospital in Boston. There she underwent life-changing plastic surgery, repairing her ears. JHI also supported her journey to health by providing necessary outpatient needs.
Viktor | Serbia
Barrier to Health: Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
Treatment Location: Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Viktor was a 2 year old boy from Serbia with a rare genetic skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB causes his skin to be extremely fragile, blistering from even minor contact. This condition also affects his mucous membranes, leading to frequent eye injuries. Viktor was also diagnosed with Autism, adding to his family's challenges.
Viktor's family has had to travel to Austria for necessary treatments. Due to his condition, Viktor can only eat puréed food, and his life expectancy is significantly reduced. JHI learned about Viktor through a supporter and has been helping his family by facilitating visits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital and consulting with dermatologists like Dr. Keren Wiss.
Viktor's care is complicated and expensive, and his family needs ongoing support. JHI is dedicated to providing justice and healthcare for children like Viktor and urges your support to help his family.
Zoe | Burundi
Barrier to Health: Dry Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma
Treatment Location: Belgium
Zoe is a 6 year-old girl who was born with a rare condition known as Dry Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma (DCIE). This genetic disorder has caused Zoe's skin to become as thick as fish scales, leading to discomfort, odor, and sensitivity to sunlight. As the second of five children, Zoe's condition has impacted not only her well-being but also her family's.
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JHI created a treatment plan for her. Identifying care opportunities in Belgium where she can receive advanced skin treatments and gene therapy that could potentially correct her condition. We are currently assisting her in accessing this treatment.
