An Update on Moses, August 29, 2007

I would like to fill you all in on how Moses is doing. In April (after I sent you the newsletter), I brought Moses to see Dr. PalaPala, who was the doctor I had just started working with. Well, to my dismay, when Dr. P examined Moses and looked at the X-rays, he determined that Moses had been misdiagnosed initially and that he actually had TB of the spine. This meant that no amount of physical therapy would ever help Moses walk again. When I heard this, I felt nauseous, as I had been actively giving Moses hope and now, had let him down.

If you recall, Dr. Shayo had reached the conclusion that with physical therapy, Moses would be able to walk again. That resulted in my running around Arusha trying to find a pro-bono physical therapist. (A hard thing to accomplish when the only physical therapist in the area works for the government hospital, if you catch my drift).

However, now all of a sudden, Dr. P was talking about the need for a very expensive surgical procedure with the only spine specialist in Tanzania who was located ten hours away in Muhimbili! I was dumbfounded. But Halima and Moses just looked at each other with such a profoundly optimistic and loving gaze - they did not lose faith for even one second, unlike me, the doubting Thomas! That's what I mean about the Tanzanian people I have met - they are infinitely more courageous than I will ever be.

Alas, the four of us got to work. Halima sorted out all the necessary documentation to prove to the Tanzanian government that Moses had been a police officer. This leads to the government paying for the transportation costs. I still really don't know how she managed it! Dr. P contacted Dr. Ole in Muhimbili and arranged for a special visit - beating the waiting list! I contacted friends back home and raised the $350 necessary for the operation - thanks everyone! So many other details had to be taken care of during this period. As such, it was a very intense time for all involved.

The appointment with Dr. Ole was arranged. Moses asked me to go with him and Halima to Muhimbili. I really wanted to go with them but had to keep working in Arusha. So, with tears, we said goodbye and they left for the hospital on June 4th. Moses was examined by Dr. Ole four days later and he confirmed the need for surgery. They had no choice but to stay at the hospital for an entire month before the surgery date. (The Tanzanian government wouldn't do a "favor" by paying for a person's transportation costs twice, you can be sure of that!)

Well, my dear friends, the wait was worth it as the surgery was a success! I have not gotten to see Moses walking as I transferred my HIV/AIDS work to Johannesberg, South Africa on July 7th. I received a letter last week from Halima and she told me that Moses is as determined as ever and is making light-speed progress! I will be seeing my dear friends once again in December and hopefully Moses won't be camera shy. That picture should be a good one!

Once again, I'd like to thank you all for your amazing support of me and my friends here in Africa.