Anjela was born July 1, 2005 with a multitude of physical problems. Angela’s father abandoned her and her mother soon after Angela was born. Angela’s mother moved in with her cousin and stayed there a few months. In February of 2007 Angela’s mother said she was going to the store and never returned home. After spending several months trying to locate her, the cousin was unsuccessful.

This cousin, who was left to take care of Angela, had her hands full. She had her own four children to care for along with Angela, who required constant care due to being HIV positive, as well as having cerebral palsy and blindness. She was underdeveloped and at 21 months could not walk, sit up or talk. The husband of the cousin caring for Angela did not want his wife caring for this baby and threatened his wife with physical harm if she did not remove her from the home.

Angela was taken to the Welfare Department and they requested that the Treasures of Africa Children’s Home take her in. Angela arrived on April 3, 2007, within one month of the opening of TOA. She continues to require a tremendous amount of special care but we have seen improvements in her muscle strength and alertness. She goes weekly to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center for physical therapy. Each day at the orphanage our staff continues with the physical therapy exercises recommended by the therapist to strengthen her muscles.

Angela recognizes voices and can be calmed down by holding her and talking. She has a beautiful smile and sits in her therapy chair smiling contently. Everyone has fallen in love with this beautiful little girl.