The New Times on Tuesday ran the story, ‘Baby battles heart defect, needs surgery’. The baby in question, 20-month old Abner Gahaya Cyusa, was born with a cognitive heart defect that needed surgery.The lack of paediatric surgeons in the country to correct such defects meant that his closest chance for treatment was in India. However, his family could not afford the USD15,000 needed to cater for the medical, transport and other related expenses.Two days after the article was published, the father shared the remarkable story of how he received various offers from well wishers all over the world including free-surgery from Fortis-Malar hospital based in India.The spirit of community is something that is extremely dear to the hearts of Rwandans. This has previously been manifested in other scenarios including orphans getting homes and the vulnerable receiving decent homes to mention but a few.The Rwandan culture dictates, and it’s commendable that, we should help one another when the need arises.As we move forward or become more modern, we should not lose touch with our historical heritage.
