Shortly after Amy* was born in Senegal, her mother died. Devastated by the loss, Amy’s grandmother, Khadja, was desperate to understand what had caused her daughter’s death. A doctor eventually referred Khadja to a local partner organization supported by World Renew: Lutheran Services for Development in Senegal (SLDS).
“My daughter was sick, she had sores around her mouth and her tongue was cut,” Khadja told staff members. “Because of this she had difficulty eating. She only ate porridge and Amy was crying all the time. The whole family said that Amy was cursed and that her mother died because she cried so much.”
Staff asked Khadja for her daughter’s medical records. These revealed a diagnosis of tongue cancer—the disease that ultimately took her life. They gently explained that Amy’s frequent crying was not a curse, but a sign of hunger. Because her mother was undernourished, she had been unable to produce enough milk.
Care, Clarity, and Compassion
Khadja was provided with formula and safe, filtered water for Amy, and a follow-up visit was scheduled to ensure the baby’s health improved. Just as importantly, staff took time to speak with the wider family, offering clear and compassionate explanations about what had truly happened.
With this understanding came relief. The fear that Amy was cursed began to fade, replaced by a renewed commitment to care for her well.
“Amy is well cared for and cherished by her whole family,” Khadja shared at a later visit. “Thank you for your support and diligence.”
A Future Shaped by Love
What began as a story marked by grief and misunderstanding is now one of hope. With access to accurate information, practical support, and compassionate care, Amy’s family was able to move beyond fear and embrace her fully.
Today, Amy is growing up surrounded by love—no longer defined by myths, but by the truth that every child deserves to be nurtured, protected, and cherished.
Stories like Amy’s reflect the heart of World Renew’s work—walking alongside families with practical care, trusted information, and deep compassion. Through ongoing community health initiatives, including maternal and child health programs, World Renew and its local partners equip caregivers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to give children a healthy start in life. From prenatal care and nutrition education to safe water access and community-based health training, this work is rooted in a long-term commitment to strengthening systems of care and restoring dignity. Because every mother deserves support, and every child—like Amy—deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and be surrounded by love.
*Name has been changed to protect identity
