Teddy Spencer

Teddy Spencer (couldn't rotate pic, sorry)

Let me tell you the story of Teddy Spencer, a charming young 12 year old boy who is the third born in his family. Teddy has 2 sisters and 1 brother. His older sister’s are Helen and Emma, and his youngest brother is Stellon. He lives with his parents, Pamella, a joyful lady who looks after the children and property, and Shadrack, his hardworking father who is an inter-country truck driver who at times can be away for up to 3 months at a time. Teddy loves to get dirty while playing football (soccer) and barracks for the mighty red and white of Manchester United. He enjoys drinking the refreshing sprite and loves eating the tender tilapia (a local fish, delicious). At school Teddy is fond of Science and likes to read paperback books. When he grows up he would like to be a pilot or airplane mechanic. This normal Kenyan child had a life changing experience. In early December, 2011, Teddy got a painful knock on his leg. There was mild swelling around the knee joint and some tenderness. Not a serious injury, just a sore leg it was deemed. After time the inflammation had remained so an X-ray was taken. An infection in the bone was identified, so off to the Orthopedic surgeon (around March 2012). Upon viewing the X-ray, the surgeon said that surgery was required.  A few days later the surgeon rang and told them he has found something strange in the X-ray and a biopsy is needed. After the biopsy, an extremely fast growing deadly cancer (Sarcoma) was identified and Teddy was given up to 6 months to live. The family had spent almost all of their money during this long process and had no more. After community fundraising they were still extremely well short of the target needed to save Teddy’s live. It had seemed that he was knocking on heaven’s door. And perhaps that was what was happening because call it what you will, coincidence, lucky or divine intervention, a miracle occurred. Four weeks ago Teddy was brought to our door step in Yala by a man with a big heart called Dr. George. He had heard that muzungu’s (white people) had been living there and thought he would try his luck. The kind doctor displayed Teddy’s cancerous leg and told us that for the boy to live his leg needs to amputated. He is on his way to Nairobi with what little money he has to try his luck. A heart wrenching story. The cost was almost $2000 AU. Totally out of our reach as we had nowhere near that amount of money in our bank accounts. What do you do? That very same morning the Shepparton Seventh Day Adventist church without any knowledge to us or of Teddy had donated a sum of money to contribute to our placements. The sum was enough to cover the cost for Teddy’s surgery. The decision was made to save Teddy’s life. The surgery was a success and his leg is healing fast. The doctors said that all the cancer had been removed and had not spread, but further chemotherapy was required to make sure. We visited Teddy in his home and the family had told us of the incredible change that has occurred. They were very grateful. You can imagine the psychological trauma, he thought he was going to die, now he lives, but with one leg. Teddy and the family are receiving counseling to help deal with the amputation and Teddy will also receive assistance in catching up on the 6 months of schooling he has missed. He is still unable to attend school and moves around with crutches. Dr. George is currently working hard for funding or donations to supply Teddy with an artificial leg and then some rehabilitation so he can continue life as close to normal as he can get. A courageous young man, Teddy is now smiling and in high spirits. The family is also rather pleased. Teddy is an extremely bright boy and definitely has a promising future. A big thank you to the Shepparton Seventh Day Adventist church, without you, Teddy perhaps may not still be here.