THE STORY

In December 2007, Manuel, our friend Elias' son, was stabbed trying to retrieve a bag of stolen sugar. Manuel's life was in danger and required urgent medical care. He is now on the long road to recovery.

Manuel shouldn’t be alive. He shouldn’t be writing his name or trying to communicate. He shouldn’t be feeding himself or walking.  And he certainly shouldn’t be smiling!

His brother, Honest, had received some sugar that was stolen by a young man in their village. Manuel went to reason with the boy, and was stabbed once in the neck, then in the head... hard enough to drive the knife right through the skull and into his brain.

At first, Manuel was in a coma and received extensive surgeries to remove the knife, repair the skull, and reduce the swelling. But by January 2008, he had improved. He started breathing on his own and regained consciousness. He was paralyzed on the right side of his body and unable to speak.

With each new day comes new miracles! Manuel returned home from the hospital in Harare in April 2008, and continues to recover. He is walking and smiling.  His right arm is paralyzed and his is relearning how to speak. He plans to return to Harare for further physical therapy.

Dispatch Foundation and The Elias Fund created The Ndakasimba Trust as an emergency medical fund to assist Elias and his family, pledging to donate funds received to help defray the enormous medical cost of this tragedy.

You have made Manuel’s recovery possible and your continued generosity will provide for Manuel’s future. We are committed to Manuel’s full recovery. Thanks for your support!

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update archives

December 7, 2007: A Note from Dispatch

January 1, 2008: Update from Zimbabwe

April 10, 2008: Welcome Home, Manuel!