West Africa

Shortly after Amy* was born in Senegal, her mother died. Devastated by the loss, Amy’s grandmother, Khadja, was desperate to know what had caused her daughter’s death. A doctor eventually referred Khadja to World Renew’s local partner, Lutheran Services for Development in Senegal (SLDS).

“My daughter was sick, she had sores around her mouth and her tongue was cut,” Khadja told SLDS staff members. “Because of this she had difficulty eating. She only ate porridge and Amy was crying all the time. The whole family said that Amy was cursed and that her mother died because she cried so much.”

Staff members asked Khadja for her daughter’s medical records, which revealed a diagnosis of tongue cancer—the disease that ultimately took her life. They assured Khadja that Amy was crying so often because she had been hungry, since her mother was underfed and not producing enough milk. Khadja was given formula and filtered water for Amy and a follow-up visit was scheduled.

With sensitivity and clarity, SLDS staff also helped Amy’s other family members understand the true cause of Amy’s mother’s death. They were greatly relieved Amy was not cursed and they committed to showing her love.

“Amy is well cared for and cherished by her whole family,” Khadja reported to SLDS staff at her last appointment. “Thank you for your support and diligence.”

*Name has been changed to protect identity.