Thursday, September 4, 2008

Announcing....

the newest addition to our family


....MAMUSH!


Kenneth and I decided to accept the referral today thanks to finally getting some information about his eye problem from Dr. Paul Mikus who is with our agency and picking up a child in Ethiopia as we speak. Mamush has River Blindness. So, what is River Blindness? River blindness (onchocerciasis) is caused by a worm that breeds in fast-flowing rivers. It is transmitted to people through the bite of a black fly. The worms spread throughout the body, and when they die, they cause intense itching and a strong immune system response that can destroy nearby tissue, such as the eye.It is a major cause of blindness in west and central Africa.

The facts about river blindness:

1. around 18 million people are infected, of whom roughly 300,000 are irreversibly blind
2. 99 per cent of those with river blindness live in Africa
3. a further 125 million people are currently at risk from infection

Mamush does suffer from blindness in one eye...

12 comments:

Sandee said...

Congratulations Holly. SO am I understanding, you are now adopting two little ones! What a wonderful home and family you will have. (You already, do, I am sure...but adding more.)

SisterMom said...

Congratulations guys! I am so excited for you!

Chris said...

Wow ! COngratulation :)
This is a great news.

A brief bio: said...

Mamush is the kiddo I had in my head that is so darn handsome. Congratulations to your family, what a nice addition he is! Crystal

Julie said...

I couldn't think of anyone better to love and care for Mamush!

Chris said...

Oh Holly I am so excited for you!!! Your heart and house are going to be overflowing with the joys of little ones all around. If anyone can handle it, it's you and Kenneth!!! I can imagine the days filled with non-stop giggles in your near furture!
Congrats!!!
Chris

Rebecca said...

Woman! I am so happy for you...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! River blindness...I had no idea. Glad that Mamush will have such a great life with you. :)

Anonymous said...

YEAH!! Congratulations!!

ellerbee eight said...

Holly~
I have some pictures of Mamush from when we were in ET in February. I will email them to you so you can add them to your baby book! Congratulations and I am thrilled for you!

Leah Reeves said...

Holly,

Congratulations!

Joy Portis said...

how wonderful, Congratulations!!

Amy said...

Holly, what exciting news. Congratulations!!!! I will look through my pics and see if I have any of him.