Burned Teen from Uganda Finds Hope, Help and Healing at Shriner’s Hospital in Boston

United States of America (Press Release) May 2, 2008 -- Young Susan Nabukenya never expected to see the world outside the boundaries of her tiny Ugandan village. Few of her friends or family did either. Such is life in impoverished rural Africa. However, Susan’s prospects were far more dire than most. A tragic and fateful day early in her childhood changed her life in one horrifying instant. Her kerosene-stained dress had caught fire while she helped her mother cook a family meal over an open fire, and severe burns covered much of her tiny body. Her burns had been left to heal with no medical supervision, and her badly scarred leg never had the chance to heal properly.

Then one day in 2006, word came to Susan that a small clinic had just opened its doors in a nearby village. A remarkable group of medical professionals and students were in place to bring medical care to local villagers for the first time ever. Team Engeye knew when they met Susan that her needs far eclipsed the limited capabilities of the fledgling clinic which had no electricity or running water. But now, fast-forward to early 2008. Susan will board a plane in Kampala, Uganda, on May 12th for an all-expenses-paid journey to the Shriner’s Hospital in Boston where a team of surgeons and physical therapists will help her turn her life around. The list of questions and hurdles that at times seemed endless is now a footnote in Susan’s story.

Just weeks ago, it appeared that all the work and energy that had been invested on Susan’s behalf might be for naught when John Kalule’s travel visa was denied. John is Engeye’s co-founder and general manager who has donated his land and his life to the clinic, and who has been given legal responsibility for Susan’s travel and medical decisions. He is Team Engeye’s priceless Ugandan connection, and is an essential link in the collaboration that makes this project unique. Susan’s visa was in-hand, but without John to chaperone her, the trip could not happen.

A virtual torrent of communications poured into the US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, imploring that officials reconsider their decision, led by team members in Boston and Atlanta. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Congressman Michael McNulty (D-NY) and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley (Boston) jumped into the fray, and either made personal phone calls to the embassy or offered extended assistance during Susan and John’s stay in the United States. By the next day, John’s visa was approved.

We welcome anyone who is interested in Susan’s story to join her friends and supporters at the Boston Logan Airport at 2:30 PM on Monday, May 12th, to welcome Susan and John as they begin this incredible journey. We invite you to visit Engeye.org to purchase a red Engeye T-shirt (Susan's name is listed under t-shirt) and become a member of our team!