Paul Kayonga: Taking Care of Three Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Boys

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one the the deadliest neglected diseases in Africa and this is so because very many people have no clue and lack information about this disease. DMD is a disorder of progressive muscular weakness, typically affects boys. Its characterized by calf hypertrophy, difficulty in swallowing, fatigue, frequent falls, scoliosis or toe walking. Sapphire Africa foundation has really done a tremendous job in Supporting the Duchenne muscular dystrophy families through out their daily needs and these range from hospital bills, school fees for those who go to school and home necessities such as food soap clothes among others. Sapphire foundation has run campaigns to create awareness and sensitive the general public about this deadly disease and identify all those who are suffering from this disease. This has really paid off and people’s hopes have been restored. Paul Kayonga has been one of the families that have been taken care of by sapphire Africa foundation. Paul Kayonga had three DMD boys Emma, Herbert, and Julius(deceased) who was the oldest of them all. Julius has been struggling with this disease for the past 19 years and lost the battle to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on 31st March 2022, this came after his body couldn’t do much to help the situation since all his muscle system was shuttered and it was working with a lot of difficulty in order to keep him alive. Julius was a very vibrant boy despite his compromised health and all the difficulties he was going through he would still gather the energy to speak on behalf of his brothers. Now that he is no more, all emphasis has been put on his two brothers and their dad who is very weak and he is always in and out of hospital due to hypertension and diabetes. We would like to appreciate all our donors who have supported Sapphire Africa foundation to help other people and change their lives. We continue to seek your support so that we can be able to provide and cater for all the needs of these people. We thank you and God bless you!