Anitamother takes a special interest in the treatment of Floyd
After all the noise which accompanied the renovation of the Shelter the month of February was very peaceful. Children and staff together cleaned the Shelter and the surrounding area. We are very proud of Stepping Stones. The Shelter looks very inviting now and we hope many children will come and take advantage of the facilities provided.
This month has been a month of visitors. Many people came and blessed us with their time, presence and their donations. We thank everyone who came and assisted us here. Many donated sweets, clothes, provision, snacks etc. One couple even sponsored lunch for all the children in the Shelter. So many have wished to remain anonymous and we respect their wishes. All of you have been responsible for the joy that you see on the faces of our children. Many staff also came and assisted us with advice and guidance.
Stepping Stones has a new In-Charge. Christopher has joined and taken the responsibility of SS. He is a capable man with vast experience and a desire to help children in need. We wish him the very best and hope he has a long tenure with El Shaddai Charitable Trust. He is ably supported by Millian, Narayan and Akkamma. This month Narayan started the field work again. He visits the railway platform, bus stands and the markets to inform the people about the Shelter.
Many new faces are seen at the Shelter. Children often come along with their friends and once they have experienced the love, come back daily. The new ones were given medical attention where required. Few of the children also were taken to the local hospital this month. We found two cases of chicken pox and hopefully they were diagnosed in time to prevent an outbreak at the Shelter. We are thankful to all medical staff that attend to our children promptly and dispense medication when needed.
The highlight of this month was Floyd. Anitamother was visiting the Shelter and while there Floyd a young boy of about 14 years lost consciousness. Anita used all her training and experience as a nurse to resuscitate him but could not get a pulse. She immediately called the Apollo Victor Hospital emergency services and bundled Floyd into her car and rushed him there with Narayan and Appu. On arrival there they found a team of doctors and medical personnel waiting to take care of Floyd. Floyd was resuscitated and after treatment Anita brought him back to SS. Later Floyd’s life story came to light. He had run away from home when he was seven years old to avoid an abusive father and was living on the streets for 7 years. He worked as a cleaner on buses, had wound due to frequent falls as he was nearly blind. Anita made arrangements for him to be moved to Victory House from where he is undergoing treatment. El Shaddai has agreed to help this boy and do all that can be done for him. He recently underwent a surgery and is doing well. We wish and hope that Floyd will have a chance to lead a normal life after the trauma he has experienced in his childhood.
The coming month promises to be a month of activity. The summer season is almost upon us and the number of children will increase. The ongoing fieldwork will also help. The Shelter with all its facilities and staff are all geared up t help as many children as possible.