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Beating the Odds with Your Help
June 7, 2011

Born in war-torn Sudan in 1995, the middle of seven children, Nyanwut has had a challenging start to her life. That is all starting to change.

Nyanwut was 12 years old when she developed a persistent cough, along with general weakness and night fevers. Her left leg had become almost paralyzed. At that time, the nearest place which could have correctly diagnosed her illness was several days’ walk through treacherous areas.

Now 15, she came to the Duk Lost Boys Clinic which had opened near her home. She was tested and found positive for tuberculosis, a common disease in her part of the world, South Sudan. She was counselled on the difficulties of the treatment regimen and what would be required of her—taking a combination of five different drugs, every day, for months straight. Along with other long-term patients at the Clinic, Nyanwut has been given nutritious food by the clinic, which helps her manage the difficult disease and treatment regimen. She’s also given a mosquito net to prevent against mosquitos which can transmit malaria.

“If I have to compare from the last four years since February to now, the pain has reduced,” she says. Now that she’s getting better, her biggest hope is to rejoin school, where she’s in grade 4.

Asked if there was anything she’d like to say to the donors who made her treatment possible? She shyly withdraws, betraying her silent courage, “Only appreciation.”