That day was particularly cloudy. I went down to the lobby with Nurse Rina to meet our driver for a home visit to Dani*, a patient who has been with Rachel House for about a year. Nurse Rina explained to me that Dani is a 2-year old boy with hydrocephalus, which is apparent from the large […]
Husna is just an ordinary little girl – a playful and lovely child taking advantage of the joyful lens of the world afforded by her youth. When she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early 2019, she was only 9 years old and at that time in her second semester of third grade. The tumor quickly […]
(by Lynna Chandra – Founder of Rachel House) Today I heard a sad story. I thought after almost 16 years at Rachel House, I would have heard it all. That nothing would threaten to break my heart and turn me into a mush now. But I was wrong. A 6-year old boy’s story captured my heart today […]
Al* and his aunt live in a tiny home on a densely populated street of Jakarta. Entering the neat and tidy home would have surprised most, especially given the glorious mess on the street just outside. Al’s parents died almost 10 years ago. His aunt has been his constant companion since then. Lucky for him, […]
“I am afraid to die. Not because I fear death, but I just can’t imagine what would happen to Hans if I were not here?” These are the words often spoken by Hans* grandmother. Hans is one of the many Rachel House patients whose main caregiver is their grandmother. In the autumn of her life, Hans’ […]
With the sand quickly running out from the hourglass of her life, every remaining moment with her family is precious. So when Alesha’s birthday appeared on the horizon, all of us at Rachel House knew we had to seize the moment and celebrate the gift of these precious lucid hours she had left. The appointed day […]
“Based on our assessment during her stay at the hospital, the main reason for the pain in her stomach is because she has been hungry for too long.” These words uttered by *Esti’s Immunologist was a shocking revelation for all of us. Esti is a sweet eleven-year-old, recently referred to Rachel House, with malnutrition and frequent […]
Hers is not an easy journey. And yet, she faced it with grace at each step of the way. While her friends were celebrating joyous newness of youth, Jasmine’s world took a different turn. A relentless gastric pain that began in early 2019 led to the discovery of a cancerous tumour in one of the […]
His sister stroked his hair and whispered, ”Can you hear me, little brother? What are you dreaming of right now? Where have you been? Whom have you met?” Dwen didn’t answer, of course. He has not been able to respond since his last surgery. He looked really peaceful, as if he was just asleep. Every […]
Ribka had just stepped into the house and was greeted by a little boy who was teetering excitedly towards her. Even though his face looked pale, Hadi had a cheerful smile spread across his face. “Hadi misses Nurse Ribka the most.” Said grandma as she held Hadi back while nurse Ribka dons her PPE, getting […]