By Jolie Mulebinge
Suffering from head cancer, 2-year-old Charlotte needs lifesaving surgery.
Madame Christine Kilero cares for the girl and other children who have lost their families.
Now is a crucial time for people to rally around Charlotte and help her get the care she desperately needs.
Madame Christine Kilero has dedicated her life to caring for abandoned and disadvantaged children in Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Among the children she has cared for, Charlotte Tatu Kilero is particularly dear to her heart.
Now almost 2 years old, Charlotte is suffering from head cancer, and Madame Christine is fighting to get the help the little girl needs to undergo lifesaving surgery.
Madame Christine ran a shelter for street children in the Kisangani commune of Lubunga, where she cared for 74 children—31 girls and 43 boys. Her life took a tragic turn in October 2022, when the center was destroyed by fire. This disaster plunged Madame Christine and all the children she protected into a difficult situation.
“I was forced to travel to Ubundu to find some parents and hand over their children, in collaboration with the principal, Emmanuel, of Lubamba 2 Primary School,” she recounts with emotion.
Following the fire, Madame Christine moved with five children to her aunt's house in the Kilanga 2 neighborhood, in PK6 of Kisangani. It was there that she took in Charlotte, who was only 3 months old at the time.
Charlotte's mother had tragically lost her life shortly after the death of her husband, who had been killed with a machete. Knowing Madame Christine's commitment to children in need, the community sought her out and entrusted Charlotte to her care.
Today, Charlotte is aware of her illness. She refuses to have her photograph taken and does not like to talk about her condition.
“Apart from me and my son, no one can touch her,” Madame Christine explains. “She's very angry and doesn't like me walking with her in the city. Even if she’s just woken up, if I go out with her, she always makes sure she sleeps because she can’t stand being looked at.”
Little Charlotte has very specific food preferences: she only eats rice and beans, her favorite dish. Madame Christine does everything she can to make Charlotte feel comfortable and safe.
Before facing threats that forced her to stop selling at the market, she had managed to provide for the children through her job. Today, she counts on the invaluable help of Dr. Stellor Nlandu Khodo, who assists them with between $100 and $150 each month.
Madame Christine never ceases to express her gratitude to everyone who thinks of Charlotte and helps improve her situation. “May God bless all those who support Charlotte,” she says.
The story of Charlotte and Madame Christine is a call for solidarity and compassion. As the little girl battles her illness, it is crucial that the community come together to provide the necessary support. The challenges these children face must not be ignored. Every gesture counts, whether it is financial assistance or emotional support.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Charlotte and other children in similar situations. Hope is what keeps them alive, and every contribution can be the ray of light they so desperately need in the darkness. It is time to act and show that human solidarity can transcend the most difficult challenges.
How to help: We need $3,000 to help Charlotte with preliminary medical tests which require travel for Christine and her. Please include "Charlotte" in the memo with your gift.
We seek connections with foundations and medical centers who may be able to help with Charlotte's care and healing. Contact Neelley Hicks (nhicks@harperhill.global) for details.
We also ask for your prayers. The One whose Spirit lives inside her is a miracle maker. We walk in faith.
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