Joseph’s Story: A Journey Through Surgery, Healing and Hope

How Joseph Found a Home at Mercy Childcare

Joseph is a 10-year-old boy at Mercy Childcare Ministry in Uganda whose story began with abandonment. He was found in a nearby town and rescued by police officers. Because Joseph has Down syndrome, no homes were willing to take him in, so he remained at the police station for some time. Eventually, the officers reached out to Mercy Childcare Ministry, and they stepped in to welcome Joseph into their care, giving him a safe and loving place to call home.

"When Joseph arrived, he began to thrive. For the first time, he experienced stability, love and consistent care. We watched him grow stronger and happier."-Wilfred Rugumba (Mercy Childcare Director)

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A Difficult Diagnosis, An Unwavering Hope

But as time went on, Joseph began to experience moments when he would suddenly become weak. It was clear that something was not right. With the help of a visiting pediatrician at the Mercy Clinic, additional tests were performed, revealing a serious and urgent condition.

Joseph was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. He had a hole in his heart and a narrowing of a major blood vessel that carried blood to his lungs. Together, these conditions severely affected the way his heart functioned. The cardiologist shared words at the time of the diagnosis that were deeply concerning: “It is a miracle that Joseph has survived this long without life-threatening complications. But now, the situation has changed.”

Joseph urgently needed heart surgery.

Delaying this surgery put Joseph’s life at serious risk. Without intervention, he could eventually experience heart failure, and the damage to his heart could become irreversible.

July 24 Update

After weeks of waiting and postponements, Joseph recently underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure. This was a crucial step in helping doctors determine whether his body is strong enough to undergo the major heart surgery he desperately needs. We are so grateful to God that the procedure was successful and that Joseph is recovering well.

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Now, the doctors have requested that Joseph be admitted to the hospital as they make the final preparations for his major open-heart surgery. Unfortunately, the hospital cannot provide a definite surgery date because emergency cases are always given priority. We are praying that Joseph will be able to undergo this life-saving surgery within the next week.

August 2 Update

After weeks of waiting, we are grateful to share that Joseph's life-saving open-heart surgery has finally been scheduled. As you read this, he is likely preparing to enter the operating room— or may already be in surgery.

August 3 Update

After approximately seven hours in surgery, the doctors informed Wilfred and the staff at Mercy Childcare Ministry that Joseph's operation was successful. We praise God for His faithfulness and for His hand over every step of the procedure.

Joseph is now recovering in the intensive care unit, where he is receiving close medical care. While there is still a journey of healing ahead, today we are celebrating this incredible answer to prayer.

August 7 Update

Joseph underwent open-heart surgery on Monday. Initially, we shared that everything seemed to be going well. The doctors were encouraged by his progress and told us that if he continued improving, they expected to move him out of the ICU within a day.

On Tuesday, we were especially encouraged to see him laughing and eating more. It seemed like he was making good progress.

However, on Wednesday, his condition took a downward turn, and since then he has remained in that state. We have been trying to get a clearer understanding of what is happening medically, but so far, we have not received enough information.

Today, the doctors were also dealing with another emergency and were very occupied, making it difficult for us to get a detailed explanation.

We have asked our doctor from Mercy Medical Center to arrange to go and speak directly with the doctors caring for Joseph. We are hoping that this will help us understand his condition more clearly and know what to expect in the days ahead.

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August 8 Update

The Mercy doctor was able to speak directly with the doctors caring for Joseph. Joseph remains in the ICU and is still on a ventilator to support his breathing. Following his major 7-hour heart surgery, his body is continuing to recover, and he is currently experiencing hypoxia, meaning his blood oxygen levels are lower than they need to be.

The doctors have assured us that this is something they expected could happen following such a major surgery and that at this point, the situation is under control. They are monitoring him closely and providing the support he needs.

The encouraging news is that this evening, the doctors plan to extubate Joseph and begin weaning him from the ventilator, depending on how he responds.

August 18 Update

Following his major open-heart surgery and many prayerful days in the ICU, we are grateful to share that Joseph was moved out of the ICU this weekend!

He remains in the hospital while doctors continue to monitor him closely, but we are grateful to God for this encouraging step forward.

We have been so encouraged by the outpouring of love and prayers for Joseph from people around the world. Your prayers have meant so much to all of us at Children to Love International and to the team at Mercy Childcare Ministry in Uganda. We give God all the glory!

Please continue to pray for Joseph as he regains his strength day by day and continues on the road to recovery.

August 24 Update

We are grateful to God for the continued progress in Joseph's recovery.

After leaving the ICU, Joseph was moved to the High Dependency Unit, and on Friday he was transferred to the general ward. We thank God for preserving his life and bringing him this far.

Around the time Joseph underwent his surgery, several other children from the surrounding community not children from Mercy Childcare Ministry) were also receiving treatment at the same regional hospital. Sadly, several of these children did not survive their surgeries. Joseph is one of only four children who survived surgery at the hospital during this time. We are reminded once again of how precious every life is and how much we have to thank God for Joseph's life and continued recovery.

Joseph currently has a slight cough and a small fever, which the doctors are monitoring and managing. We are hopeful that, if his condition continues to improve, he will be discharged soon.

August 31 Update

Joseph was finally discharged on Thursday from the hospital and is now back home.

There was so much joy at Mercy Childcare as the team came together for a special celebration to welcome Joseph back home! It was a beautiful day filled with thanksgiving and gratitude as everyone rejoiced over his return.

Joseph is grateful to once again be surrounded by the friends and Mercy family who love him, and everyone is so thankful to have him back home. It was truly a sweet and joyful celebration! 

"Joseph still has a journey ahead of him. He will continue going for regular reviews, treatment, and follow-up care as he recovers. But we are deeply thankful for how far God has brought him. There were moments when the situation was very difficult, but God has sustained Joseph and given us strength throughout the journey."-Wilfred Rugumba (Mercy Childcare Director)

Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone in Joseph’s journey, and please continue to pray for his healing and recovery in the days ahead.

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