Esophageal Atresia Awareness Month: Kabelo

JANUARY IS ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA AWARENESS MONTH

Listed June 2023

"Kabelo"

Meet "Kabelo"! This little cutie is 3 years old and living in Eastern Europe. In addition to esophageal atresia, Kabelo has a long list of diagnoses including tracheoesophageal atresia, a brain hemorrhage, and ventricular septal defect. He also uses a feeding tube. 

Kabelo has spent most of his life in a hospital due to his complex needs. 

Kabelo loves getting attention from his caregivers. He is a calm boy, and likes to explore toys. 

Kabelo is diagnosed with esophageal atresia. Children with this condition are born without a properly formed esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. As a result of the condition, the baby is unable to digest milk or other fluids. The esophagus needs to be surgically repaired in order for the baby to be able to eat and digest foods properly. With atresia, contents like milk end up in the lungs instead of the stomach. This can lead to pneumonia and other issues. Surgery is the best treatment option.

In Kabelo's case, he has received surgery, but it was unsuccessful, and therefore he still needs a feeding tube. An agency can give more info about Kabelo's condition and how it impacts him. 

Kabelo cries when he is hurt, hungry, or uncomfortable. He has significantly delayed development, and spends most of his time lying down, though he will try to reach for toys. Kabelo cannot yet turn over, sit up, or walk independently. He responds to sounds and tracks things with his eyes. Kabelo is completely dependent on his caregivers. 

Kabelo has had several surgeries, including a PEG tube placement. As of June 2023, he is currently receiving physical and  psychological therapies, and works with a pedagogue. 

Kabelo has $1,100.85 in his personal grant with Reece's Rainbow where he is listed as "Eddie"!

Don't let sweet "Kabelo"'s medical conditions scare you away. See him as the tiny baby boy he is, one that is needing a mama to hold him and sing to him! He is still so little and young. Please don't let him grow up alone. 





UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024


UPDATE MARCH 2024

Kabelo is now listed as "Iggy" with Global Adoptions! 

Kabelo is now listed as "Eddie" with Reece's Rainbow! His update reads: Meet Kabelo! This sweet little man just turned two years old. He likes to transfer a toy from one hand to the other and will look for a dropped toy. He is able to push buttons on electronic toys, and he reacts positively when adults try to engage him. He is able to roll from side to side and can sit with some assistance. Because of his medical diagnoses, Kabelo receives all of his nutrition via a g-tube. He sleeps well and protests at bath time. His diagnoses include Congenital malformation of the digestive system – atresia of the esophagus with tracheoesophageal fistula. Condition following surgical intervention; implanted percutaneous g-tube. Congenital heart malformation – small intraventricular defect. Protein-energy malnutrition. Delayed psychomotor development. He will almost certainly need  more surgeries in the future in order to eat by mouth, and any family considering Kabelo should be sure they are prepared to meet his medical needs.

Kabelo is now listed as "Eddie" with Lifeline! His update reads: Kabelo is a precious 2 year old little boy. He is joyful and loves to laugh! He is unable to stand or walk on his own. Kabelo is able to sit when placed in a sitting position. He moves in his bed with support of his legs by rolling on his back. He does not speak but mimics different sounds. He enjoys playing with toys and listening to music! With access to the proper resources & the support of a stable family environment, Kabelo will continue to develop and grow!!

Kabelo is now listed as "Easton" with Children's House International! His most recent update with Rainbowkids reads: Kabelo is a tender soul, just 2 years young, residing in a large orphanage in Eastern Europe. With twinkling eyes and an innocent smile, he is at a stage where the warmth of a nurturing family could make a world of difference in his life. Kabelo's needs are unique—calling for dedicated attention and care that can only be provided in a loving home environment. He is a boy full of potential, awaiting the chance to thrive. Kabelo has bravely faced medical challenges early in life, including a congenital malformation of the digestive system which necessitates feeding through a g-tube and has undergone surgical procedures to address his condition. Despite a small intraventricular heart defect and muscle hypotonia, his spirit remains unshaken. Kabelo also faces developmental delays and seeks a family that will support him in his growth and milestones ahead. Our little explorer can now transition to a lying position on his own and remains sitting up for moments of discovery. He finds joy in toys, showing persistence and curiosity as he engages in play, transferring them between hands, and seeking lost objects with determination. His laughter fills the room, a testament to his responsive and joyful demeanor, especially when interacting with caring adults. Kabelo cherishes simple comforts—as he gently drifts into sleep, his world becomes peaceful. Although dressing and bathing can be distressing for him, he is otherwise calm and content. His nurturing caregivers understand his dietary needs and ensure he receives the proper nutrition through his g-tube.

Kabelo is now listed as "Eddie" with Agape! His most recent update with Rainbowkids reads: 2 year old Kabelo is a calm and quiet toddler living in an Eastern European country. Kabelo enjoys playing with toys, particularly ones that make music and light up. This sweet boy loves to listen to music and dance with his upper body and arms. He’ll often hum to music whenever it is played and sway to the beat. Kabelo is currently working with a physical therapist to address his muscle hypotonia; he can stay in a seated position and can roll onto his back when he is lying down. Kabelo is developing his speech, and he mostly communicates using gestures.




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