The Kakudjis need our help

In 2007 and 2010 I visited the Kakudji family in Lubumbashi, DR Congo. They are great people doing what they can to help marginalised groups like the deaf and street kids in their community.

Tragedy has now struck hard and close;

On Saturday April 4th, Regine died in Carole’s arms while giving birth to her 5th child following a caesarean section that went horribly wrong. Unable to cope with a new baby as well as his four children aged 14, 9, 6 and 3, husband Jeff asked Emmanuel (his brother) and Carole to raise his baby daughter as their own. With five children of their own plus two adopted street kids, (the youngest is 10), as well as Emmanuel’s older brother, a polio victim, who lives with them, this middle aged couple have risen to the challenge.

On the same day that Regine died, Emmanuel’s good friend Dieudonne and wife Nadine awaited the arrival of their first child after nine years of marriage but unfortunately their child was stillborn.

Emmanuel and Carole are doing what they can to help the two grieving families. However, on top of the emotional support there are the costs of two caesareans, a funeral and ongoing medical expenses for Nadine who is still hospitalised. At the same time they are helping Jeff who is very distraught and cannot work as he is looking after his four children.

Emmanuel and Carole are adjusting to a new baby in their household. They have had to buy clothes, a cot, milk formula etc and have regular doctor’s visits to make sure the baby is doing alright on formula. As you will appreciate, it is very tough on them. Even before these tragedies struck, some of their own children had not been to school this year as they cannot afford the fees following two armed robberies.

Are you able to help my friends Emmanuel and Carole? They are wanting to do the right thing and give this child a chance and help out their family and friends during this very difficult time.

Every gift given will be a huge encouragement and help to them regardless of the amount.

Thanks,

Murray

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