Pneumonia is a serious threat
to the children we support.
This treatable infectious disease is one of the leading causes of death in China: it is the number one cause in rural areas; in urban areas, fourth. Data suggests that there are approximately 2.5 million documented cases of pneumonia in China annually. Of those cases, 125,000 (5%) people die of pneumonia-related illness. (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.)
Most disturbing to us is this: childhood pneumonia accounts for an estimated 17% of all child deaths in China. The Red Thread Promise takes pneumonia seriously, especially when it involves infants and toddlers who have other medical conditions that may compromise their immune system further and do not have anyone to advocate for them.
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| WZX - January 2013 |
In January 2013, The Red Thread met Baby WZX. He came to Swallows Nest (our partner foster home in China) unable to sit or stand due to club feet. After extensive evaluation, doctors decided to treat him with a non-surgical method that involves serial manipulation and casting, taping, physical therapy, splinting, and continuous passive motion. We have been funding his care ever since with hopes of this little man walking independently in the near future.
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| WZX - June 2013 |
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| WZX - August 2013 |
One year later, WZX has made great progress in his club foot regimen. But this isn't his biggest hurdle. He was recently diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized. Thankfully, he is on the mend and back at Swallows Nest, on the road to recovery. Your donations helped provide his care at the hospital and we are so thankful for your support of this critical intervention.
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WZX (left) playing beside a friend at Swallow's Nest
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Unfortunately, the little girl in the photo above (next to him in the black dress) is now in the hospital for the same reason: pneumonia. She has been there for over three weeks. With your contributions to this project, we can help her and others as well.
As always, thank you for everything you are able to give. If you'd like to help, please send your tax-deductible donation (memo line: China) via PayPal or check to:
The Red Thread Promise
249 N Belfield Ave
Havertown, PA 19083
Attn: Kathy Korge Albergate
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