We Can Build An Orphanage

With us since: April 14, 2008
Birthday: March 15, 2008
Status: HIV+ at birth, at 6 months old starting testing negative. 1 final test remains at 18 months.

Zael was born on March 15th, 2008 in Laplen, Montagne Lavoute, halfway up the road from Jacmel to Port au Prince. His mother was HIV+ and passed away shortly after he was born. Having no way of caring for a new baby, Zael’s father thought he would have to abandon his little son. Fortunately word began to spread about WeCanBuildanOrphanage.com and on April 14th, 2008 Zael’s father showed up on our door step with his new born son.

Zael’s father was so poor he could not even afford shoes, much less a baby. He told us that Zael’s mother had just been a girlfriend and if we could not care for Zael he would be forced to, “throw the baby away”.

We had to help, so we took Zael and his father to Hospital St. Michel to have both of them tested for HIV. Zael’s father tested negative but Zael had tested positive, all hope was not lost. After we took in Zael we needed to keep testing him every few months to determine whether or not he truly was HIV+.

Zael has one more HIV test before he will be considered free and clear at 18 months old. The good news is his tests have been negative since his 6 month test. The doctors at the hospital said, they felt confident his last test would also end up negative, but we can’t be sure until his last test.

Zael is one of the happiest and chubbiest babies in our orphanage. He waddles everywhere he goes, began walking at 11 months, and speaking at 14 months. If you catch him at the right time he’ll give you a “knuckle up,” but not when he is playing with cars, because playing with cars is serious business.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with our orphanage and help kids like Zael, please click here: WeCanBuildanOrphanage.com.