Saint Bethel in Burundi
Saint Bethel is a little boy born with clubfoot, but his healing journey began two years before his birth.
When he was born, his mom, Francine, and dad, Salvator, were distraught with dark images of what their little boy’s life would be like. Two years before Saint Bethel’s birth, Alain, a Hope Walks parent advisor, visited the hospital where he was delivered and planted the seeds of healing that took two years to bloom. Alain educated the nursing staff about clubfoot, so they quickly identified the condition when Saint Bethel was born and told the parents what they needed to do. This quick intervention comforted the parents.
Alain has meant much to this family. Not only was he in the right place before Saint Bethel was born, but afterward, he offered counseling and education to help them through the process. They were also encouraged when he came to visit them at home.
“It would be a big loss if the clinic were without a parent advisor because he is the one who calls us for appointment reminders and educates us on how to properly take care of our child,” Francine and Salvator said. “He also prays for Saint Bethel.”
Francine and Salvator work well together, supporting each other through the challenges of clubfoot treatment. They often attended clinic visits together, which required more public transportation expenses and someone to watch their two other children at home. Hope Walks was able to offer transportation assistance to ensure the family was able to keep appointments. Today, with Saint Bethel in the bracing phase, Salvator usually travels alone so Francine can stay home with the children.
“We are very grateful because we got an opportunity to have our child treated,” the parents said.
