Mariam is part of St. Jude Africa Children’s Foundation’s child and family care work in Uganda. Her care journey has required medical attention, caregiver support, and a practical plan for mobility after serious health complications affected her ability to move safely.

Mariam’s care journey in Kamuli

Mariam was born with spina bifida, a condition that can affect movement, wound care, and daily health. In 2022, after a difficult period of symptoms and uncertainty, doctors confirmed her diagnosis and began treatment.

Her condition later became more serious. Infection led to the amputation of both legs, and the next stage of care became focused on safe movement, school access, follow-up appointments, and steady support for her mother at home.

St. Jude Africa shares Mariam’s story to show care in real context: a child, a caregiver, and a practical need that can be met with dignity. Her journey connects to our wider work with children in our care across Uganda.

Safe mobility

A suitable wheelchair can help Mariam move with more comfort and reduce strain on her caregiver.

School access

Mobility support can make school attendance, classroom participation, and friendships more realistic.

Ongoing care

Follow-up support helps the family manage appointments, transport, and daily essentials.

Mariam during a St. Jude Africa care follow-up in Uganda
Mariam’s wheelchair need is part of a larger care plan around mobility, school access, and family support.

Care in motion

The original field videos remain part of Mariam’s story. They help donors see the real care setting with context, respect, and a clear understanding of the support needed around her and her caregiver.

Field video from Mariam’s care follow-up in Uganda.
Care context around Mariam’s mobility and daily support needs.

What a wheelchair makes possible

A suitable wheelchair can help Mariam move with more safety and comfort, return to school, attend care appointments, and take part in daily family life with more independence.

Mobility support also strengthens the caregiver beside her. It can reduce the physical strain of daily movement and make it easier for the family to reach care, school, and community life.

How this story connects

Mariam’s wheelchair need is one step in a longer care journey. Visitors can begin with Mariam’s first care story, continue through her June 2023, August 2023, and April 2024 updates, then see how mobility support became the next practical need.

Her story also sits beside other child care stories, including Salima’s care journey and Amon’s first care story.