Jien-Fighting for her Life

Jien was sitting on the edge of her bed with a teddy bear next to her. Her huge brown eyes looked up as we walked in the room. She was in the segregated section of the Hohidiai Hospital because she had Tuberculosis.
Jien was eight years old and was fighting for her life. She was only seven kilos (about 15 pounds).

Why did she arrive here in such serious condition? Why did her parents wait so long to bring her to our hospital? Why was she so malnourished and on the verge of death? Why--Why--Why? Those are unanswered questions--but I do know
she is in a good place. She will receive quality care and lots of love. The staff at Hohidiai will do everything possible to save her life. Dr. Rob, a brilliant Australian Doctor who was volunteering at the hospital and clinic,
was treating her. He inserted a feeding tube in her nose. She did not like the tube but in four days she had gained 20% of her body weight. Dr. Rob took the tube out and she began to lose weight. He reinserted the tube and
was giving her a formula that should increase her strength and weight.

Jien spoke in a tiny whisper to Peter Scarborough--she told him the tube was uncomfortable. She put her finger under her chin as this photo was taken. It was like she was posing for the photo. Her life is in the balance--we must
stand with her in the fight. She needs a miracle.

The people of this region are often chained in poverty. The access to health care is limited and often not availed by families who have to travel long distances but do not even have the money to pay for public transportation to
a hospital. It is common to see children come to the clinic and hospital well past the point of needing help. This beautiful child is the latest fighting for her life.