Nema (left) and Baraka’s Grandmother (right)

Nema spent the last couple of months at FAME Hospital. When she was finally discharged during Christmas week, she was moved to tears of joy. She had arrived with her mother, carrying her baby as delicately as possible. Born at 6 months and weighing only 0.5 kilograms, he was more fragile than most newborns. Before setting off on their long journey home to welcome the New Year together as a family, Nema wanted to share her story, but overwhelmed with emotion, passed the task to her mama, who sat beside her and recounted their journey:

Her pregnancy was very difficult. When she was five months pregnant, she started bleeding. By the time she was six months pregnant, the baby started coming early. After the baby was born, they went to the hospital in Endulen (40 miles from FAME). From Endulen, we decided to come to FAME. We are thankful to God that when we arrived at FAME, we were welcomed warmly. God helped us because the doctors provided great care.

The baby was placed in an incubator for one month. After leaving the incubator, they gave us the baby to keep on my daughter's chest for warmth. We continued this practice for about 20 days. After 20 days, we were moved to a private room where the doctors checked on us regularly. The doctors monitored us closely throughout. They even got us a cake when the baby reached a healthy weight. Now we can hold him like a normal baby. I would like to thank all doctors. I also want to tell other mothers who give birth at home that if they face challenges, they should come to FAME.

I'm grateful for the commitments of the doctors. They never got tired. Whenever we called, they came to help us. And as Grandmother, I also don’t get tired. I do my best to follow up with the doctors on my grandson’s health. When my daughter is tired, I take over and care for the baby. We must do our best to get the care we need. I am thankful to God and the doctors because since we arrived here, we’ve had no issues-they’ve been so kind. That’s why we named our baby ‘Baraka’ (Blessing). Because when we arrived, I never lost hope. And the doctors were optimistic too—they believed the baby would recover. The doctors were always there when we called and always helpful. That’s why we called him Baraka. His father didn’t give up hope, and everyone we met at the hospital shared that same optimism.

One of the baby's in FAME's NICU on Valentine's Day. Baby Eliza came to FAME after a month of battling pneumonia at home. Her story is below.

Established in 2019, alongside the Maternity Center, FAME's NICU provides crucial care to our smallest and most vulnerable patients. This life-saving care is provided for infants born at FAME and sick or premature infants transferred from other hospitals, clinics or home births. Over the last three years, admissions to FAME’s NICU have increased by almost 20%. This Valentine's Day, we share with you short stories from the NICU, all of which were made possible by the love and care provided by FAME's medical team.

In a bustling corner of FAME's NICU, we meet Baby Eliza. Born prematurely at home, she was brought to FAME's NICU after a month of battling pneumonia and anemia. With the help of FAME's medical team, she received oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. She steadily recovered and and today, this little warrior is ready to bid farewell to the NICU and embrace the world outside.

Meanwhile, another infant is no stranger to FAME's NICU. Born with a heart defect that requires delicate surgical intervention, Baby Paulina's parents bring her to FAME weekly for regular monitoring. FAME's pediatric team is committed to supporting her growth until she is big enough to receive surgery at our referral cardiac center. It is this specialized medical attention for infants with complex health needs that illustrates FAME's steadfast commitment to ensuring that every baby receives the best possible care.

It is not all monitors and medicine in the NICU; there are moments of pure celebration, too. Like the joyous occasion when an underweight infant reaches the significant milestone of 1kg. In a heartwarming display of support, the NICU team celebrates these success with cake and smiles! This celebration is a reminder to everyone that even the smallest victories are worth cherishing.

John at FAME in December 2023, recovering from surgery (left). John on Valentine's Day 2024; two months older and much, much bigger (right)!

The FAME team celebrated a significant milestone in this underweight baby's growth. After reaching 1kg, Baby Jacqueline was discharged from FAME to continue receiving treatment at a medical facility closer to home. We learned today that her local clinic is having a party to celebrate reaching 2kgs!

When I arrived at the hospital, I was in severe pain. They did some tests, and then scheduled me for an operation. Afterwards, a team of doctors did another check with the ultrasound and told me that surgery wouldn’t be necessary. Instead, they recommended treatment with medication. Since I started the medicine, I haven’t felt any pain at all.” - Layla*

This year, in response to the growing general surgery program at FAME, and with the support of some of our incredible FAME family members and FAME volunteers, we were able to purchase an ultrasound machine to be dedicated entirely to the operating theater. This additional machine has profoundly impacted our ability to care for our surgical patients. The state-of-the-art equipment available throughout the hospital enables our team of doctors to better assess each case and, through panel discussions, determine the most suitable interventions for our patients.

“I am very grateful to the doctors at FAME—especially because they helped me get better without the need for an operation. I encourage others who are ill to come to FAME. The hospital is great, and the doctors are kind and caring. I know some people worry about high costs, but the fees are reasonable, and not expensive like people think. Just come.” - Layla

When asked what care and support mean to her, Layla responded, “I believe care and support means receiving timely help from the doctor. If you have a problem and explain it, the doctor reassures you, and makes you feel better.”

When I first fell ill, it was very unsettling. One day, my right leg just stopped working—it felt like it was asleep, and I couldn’t walk on it at all. I went to a hospital near my hometown in Babati, where they ran several tests but couldn’t find the problem. They gave me medication and sent me home, but my condition didn’t improve.

Eventually, my daughter recommended I visit FAME Hospital. When I arrived, the doctors wasted no time and immediately began running tests. The next day, I returned to hear the results. They explained that my right leg was paralyzed due to an issue on the left side of my brain. I was both shocked and amazed.

Soon after, I underwent surgery at FAME. I don’t remember much of the operation itself—I was unconscious—but I woke up two days later and began doing small exercises under the guidance of the medical team. That was when I first realized I could stand upright again. I had thought I might never recover, but the care and attention I received at FAME made all the difference.

Before, I used to walk hunched over, with someone supporting me on one side and a cane in the other hand. Now, I can walk upright again without a cane. The surgery scar on my head has also healed. I’m incredibly grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped me through this illness.

I really never thought I would recover, so when I saw a FAME staff member walking around campus with a camera, I felt compelled to ask if I could share my story. I want people not to lose hope and to know that if I could recover, so can they.

Sid* arrived at FAME with a rare and life-threatening infection. By the time he reached the hospital, the infection had advanced significantly, causing unbearable pain and emotional distress.

“I first went to a hospital near my hometown, but they told me they couldn’t treat me and referred me to FAME. At that point, my wounds were so painful and uncomfortable that I couldn’t really have a social life. I felt embarrassed to sit next to others…it almost brought me to tears.” – Sid

FAME’s medical team cleared the infection and provide the specialized care he needed to begin to return to his normal life.

At FAME, we see countless examples of fathers like John who go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their families. These fathers are pillars of strength, providing unwavering support through thick and thin. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the impact that a dedicated and loving father can have on a family’s health and happiness.

Sid's smile has become familiar around the FAME campus, as he still comes to FAME weekly for wound care. Although Sid's health is improving, the last few months have been difficult due to the mounting expenses, which can still be a challenge even within the context of FAME's highly subsidized rates. Sid's story touched the FAME staff and prompted the social work team to develop a plan that ensures Sid can continue receiving life-saving treatment for his wound, free of charge.

“I believe that helping someone who cannot afford treatment isn’t just about waving a fee or donating—it’s about making a meaningful difference in our community.” – Angel, FAME Social Worker