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Born with cerebral palsy, he never knew what it would be like to move up off the ground. Having to care for a child that can’t walk in a Lusaka compound takes guts and commitment. Malumba’s family had both. He would have to lie on the floor or be held to eat. If he needed to go to the toilet, someone in the family would have to carry him there and then carry him back. Because he could not lift himself into a desk or walk to tend to his personal needs, he was not allowed in school. He knew his family could never afford to buy him a chair with wheels, but he did dream of what it would be like to sit straight up and roll himself wherever he wanted.
A neighbor of Malumba’s family receives help from Milk and Medicine to feed their twin babies. They told Matrida, one of the workers with Milk and Medicine,  about Malumba and asked if there was any way she could help get a wheelchair. After visiting the family, Matrida wrote the story and sent it to Alliance for Children Everywhere. As soon as she saw the story, Diane, the communications coordinator at ACE, said, “This one is mine!” The money for Malumba’s brand new wheelchair was on the way.
The day Matrida delivered the wheelchair the entire family gathered around, filled with excitement. Everyone helped pull the chair from the packing box and then the big moment arrived when Malumba’s brother lifted him into the chair. You have never seen a child so happy to be in a wheelchair. His life would never be the same. For the first time in his life Malumba could sit upright and roll himself anywhere he needed to go. 
Today, Malumba is enrolled at a community school near his home. He is so happy that he can now go to school. His mother, father, and the whole family send their heartfelt thanks for this wonderful gift!
Learn more about Milk & Medicine program.
You are invited to become a regular Milk & Medicine sponsor for a monthly gift of $20.
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