The kids at Kagando are in terrific hands. The pediatricians and nurses are excellent, and care about the patients. However, I was overwhelmed by the fact that most of the kids had totally preventable illnesses. Clean water and sanitation would empty out most of the beds. The doctors do amazing work, despite a crippling lack of resources. I wish that a kid’s recovery was never limited by the fact that there isn’t a ventilator…or there isn’t the right medicine. If my girl had been born in Uganda, she would live her life with a tethered cord and all of the consequences of nerve damage. I am so thankful that we were able to take care of her, but I wonder what can be done to give the kids at Kagando a similar chance at a healthy life?

While it was frustrating to be faced with these limitations, thanks to many of you, I was able to see how a little joy can be powerful medicine. I wasn’t able to capture many pictures, but I can say that there were lots of big smiles as I handed out toys and hats.