Michelle Acheng was born 10 years ago, in Entebee, Uganda, normal like any other children, but after her birth developed an infection that caused Hydrocephalus.
Her biological mother went into denial and decided to first take her little one to native doctors to try and push back her head in the right position. This went on for some good months until she realised there was no change.
Then she was introduced to a hospital called Cure Mable and at six months Mitchell’s head was operated on after they had prolonged the condition.
Mitchell had to undergo three brain surgeries before they did an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) procedure. As if all that was not enough for this young baby and her mum, Mitchell’s dad decided to run away and neglect his own child just because of a medical condition.
Her mother hustled with her, always put her on the back so that they go and do laundry in the village to earn a living. Walking was like a miracle that was so far to be achieved.
In 2020, I joined a disability centre, also in Entebee, as a teacher and miraculously that was the same centre mama Mitchell was enrolled to work as a cook. I grew a strong bond with Mitchell and I asked for permission to take up as her my child with the guidance of her biological mother.
After proper nutrition and multiple exercise routines, I achieved the goal of seeing Mitchell walk. She started walking at four years old and through my small salary, I managed to enroll Mitchell in a very good school. She is currently in primary three and living a very normal life.
Taking care of Mitchell has been very rewarding but at the same time frustrating and sometimes emotionally draining.
Living with Hydrocephalus has been really challenging for Mitchell because so many people are discriminating her because of her head size. Someone once asked why me I am spending my money on her.
Some people even insinuated that my parents paid money to Mitchell’s biological mother to sell her to me since they think I cannot have my own children due to my own disability with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH). Some also think Mitchell is my sister and believe my mum must be cursed having children with disabilities.
I however do not pay attention to these discriminatory and derogatory remarks as God has given me so many opportunities and blessed me through Mitchell.
For the fact that I also have a disability, I sometimes get overwhelmed with our basic needs and her school fees, but with God everything is possible and I always have ways to find money to care of Mitchell and myself.
Recently, Mitchell was admitted to the hospital after having seizures, a common complication of Hydrocephalus. She was out of school during this period, and while it was another trying moment, seeing her recover reminded me of her strength and courage to pull through adversity. It makes me confident that I never made a mistake adopting her and I will never leave her alone and will do everything to ensure she lives a fulfilled and rewarding life.
I would like to appreciate Dr. Nelson Mubiru of Nkolo Orthopedic Rehabilitation Centre in Luweero, Uganda. He was the first doctor that helped Mitchell walk at four years old. He made special shoes for her to try to straighten her muscles, and did all these without collecting any money.
Dr. Nelson is still helping Mitchell with so many things as regards her health and promised to sponsor her education. I remain grateful for his kind gesture.
No one prays to have a child with disability but it is the will of God that they are born that way for his His name to be glorified.
So, instead of abandoning these special and adorable children, please love them, provide the right medical treatment and educate society that their disability is not a limit to what they can achieve.
In the years to come, you will surprised at how far they have succeeded and progressed in life.
Feel 😔God should provide and I pray u never lack