Bertie

Bertie:
Just one month ago Ruel received a call asking us to take a serverely malnourished baby aged 1 year and 2 months. A small bundle was brought by his sister and aunt, who had been looking after him, weighing just 4kg!!!! It was devestating to see a little baby in such bad condition. The photo below does not really show fully the state his little body was in. He had sores all around his groin as his skin was peeling due to the severe malnutrition. His skin was loose around his arms and legs and he had no energy to move or cry. All I wanted to do was cry as I held his little hand in mine and looked into his dull, lifeless, little eyes as he feebly cried.

Within a few minutes he was bathed, his sores soothed and tucked up in a warm bed. When caring for a severely malnourished child there is a strict procedure to follow. It would be so tempting to just feed and feed and feed him but that is the worst thing to do. It is important to start slowly and for the first week to only give milk until he gets stronger to eat food. Watching him guzzle his first bottle and knowing that he is safe and will get better was an amazing feeling.

One month on:
Now a month on and you can see the change in him! The first picture was taken 2 weeks after he had arrived, he looks so cute and small next to the balloon! He was at this point beginning to eat food and really enjoying it!!
It has been such a privilege to be a part of this amazing transformation and know that what we have done has saved his life! He is now starting to sit up and smiles and laughs daily. His eyes are shining and full of life. It is impossible to resist him when he holds his arms out longing for a cuddle! Watching the recovery of Bertie only confirms what an awesome organisation the Ruel Foundation is!!