Baby Basil Mark
In 2006 Dr Donna Robinson and some colleagues were visiting Sampovloun while measuring the growth and progress of local children. They went to visit the hospital and found Baby Mark lying on a wooden bed looking extremely ill. His mother had died of AIDS, the father had returned to his village and there was no one to look after him. He was going to die.
Their feelings running high, they picked him up and tried feeding him. Mark responded and that sealed his fate.
The baby was found to have HIV contracted from his mother and he was permitted treatment in Thailand to stabilise his condition. Following a positive response to medication in Thailand Baby Mark was returned and a carer was hired to take care of him in Phnom Penh. Dr Donna has since made a number of visits to ensure that Baby Marks needs are cared for and to establish a home for him at an orphanage in Phnom Penh recommended by Father Joe of the ‘Human Development Foundation and Mercy Centre', here in Bangkok.
This is how we recently came to visit “NEW HOPE FOR CAMBODIA CHILDREN” and speak with John Tucker. We were on a mission to see how Baby Mark was faring. Basel Mark is the star of the orphanage, in which he resides. Everyone loves him and he is beginning to be part of his surroundings. He is still sick, as he also has TB and his little chest gurgles away. They are waiting for him to be on the antiviral medicine for his HIV.
Recently a major donor of NHCC was visiting from America, and he loved holding Mark, so he is now named Basil Mark, after this major benefactor.
While Basil was visiting, President Bill Clinton also paid a visit and he was fascinated by this small helpless child. President Clinton’s photos are proudly displayed on a sideboard and walls holding Basil Mark. We do not know the long term future for Basil Mark, but we do know that at present he is getting all the love and medical attention as can be provided.
John Tucker at the NHCC orphanage has made it very clear that no baby will be neglected while he is able to help. but he needs your support in many different ways. If you would like to get involved in the work of the Foundation or the NHCC orphanage directly please feel free to contact Dr Donna Robinson. Conversely if you would simply like to donate funds toward the work of the Foundation for the NHCC please just contact MedConsult directly or click on the 'Pay Now' icon on the Foundation page.
Thank You
