Mark can walk, run and go back to school

Raised by his grandmother

Mark was born in 2021 to young parents. For his first months he was a healthy baby with no disability. But at about one year old, as he took his first steps, his legs began to bend inward. Gradually and painfully they bent further, until he had severe knock knees. He could no longer walk or run.

His mother left soon afterwards and did not come back. Mark stayed with his grandmother, Taaka, who has raised him as her own. She calls him her son, not her grandson.

The long road to CoRSU

In 2022 Taaka took Mark to Namayingo Health Centre IV, but the clinic could not manage his case and referred him to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Taaka had no money for transport or treatment, and she could not get there. Then a friend told her: "Take him to CoRSU Hospital in Entebbe. They handled my child beyond expectation."

On 24 February 2025, after two years of saving for the journey, Taaka arrived at CoRSU. She had assumed the treatment would be free, and she was shocked to learn that Mark's care would cost UGX 3,800,000.

“I almost fainted. I decided to walk out of the hospital without even asking if I could be supported.”

As she turned to leave, a staff member stopped her and pointed her to a social worker. The social worker listened, assessed Mark's situation and linked him to a subsidy programme supported by CBM International. CoRSU was able to offer his treatment with a 100% subsidy, and surgery was booked for two days later.

Surgery and recovery

On 26 February 2025, Mark went into theatre while Taaka waited outside, afraid for him. The orthopaedic surgery was successful. When he was discharged, the doctors asked her to watch him closely at home while he healed: no climbing trees, no running and no rough games. Taaka followed every instruction.

Soon Mark began to walk, then to run, carry light things and help with simple chores around the house. He is set to go back to school in 2026, like any other child.

A grandmother's thanks

“I have never seen a clean and smart hospital like CoRSU, where even staff eat the same meals as patients, where they help with transport costs on top of medical bills. Parents should take their children to hospitals like CoRSU instead of going to herbalists for deformities that can be treated medically.”

“I have no words and no resources to thank CoRSU, CBM, and their staff for what they did for my grandson. May the Almighty Lord continue blessing you as you continue serving wholeheartedly.”