Little Malagah Has Passed Away

[Mobi]

In Post No. 3 on the Street kids Thread, I re-printed an extract from Dianne's diary of the week of the 3rd June, which was particularly traumatic for those at the Mercy Mission. One of the items concerned litttle Malagah, a delightful 6 year old, with a terrible skin disease. Here is that story again:

§ Malagah is 6 yrs. old with pustular psoriasis. That means his skin constantly breaks out in infected sores … peeling his skin like 3rd degree burns. We just has him in hospital for 2 weeks to get him through a particularly bad bout … but it’s appearing again on his lower legs and head … as the weather is hot, humid and difficult even for those of us in good health. We are looking for a Thai foster family … then we will give them financial support to care for him in their home. He should be in school but his skin is just too bad … He runs up to everyone who comes for hugs. He has a tired old grandma who recycles trash and lives in a run down shack too dirty even for healthy children to survive. We were his last stop …We are seeking a family to open their home to him, and for him not to feel the rejection and dread so many people feel when they see him.

My wife and I had met Malagah on a couple of occasions, and spent a little time playing with him. He was a lovely kid, brimming with life and laughter and was so desperate for some affection and love. Due to his skin problems he was unable to go to school, and had to be looked after at the mission 24/7.

Today, I received the following email from Dianne.

Sept. 7th 2006

To all concerned,

Maligah was a small boy who has been a part of Fountain of Life program for many years and was referred to more than a year ago to provide temporary residential care to help him through his most recent outbreak of pustule psoriasis. His mother was no longer around and he lived with his grandmother who was a trash recycler. His home condition was known to be aggravating his physical condition. We agreed and he stayed 2 weeks and left us with his skin almost completely clear.

Many months later Sr. Joan from Fountain of Life called us again, and asking this time for longer term care for Maligah. His grandmother’s story is very long & complicated and has involved many agencies over the years who’ve tried to help her, but with no lasting success. Sadly, it’s been Maligah who has suffered the most.

Maligah was with us several months, during which time PILC and some individuals gave extra financial assistance for him to receive extra diagnostic care, but sadly all with the same report. His psoriasis was not curable, and only the best of care could relieve the outbreaks when they come. We were told they were inevitable and could be triggered or aggravated by stress, heat, sunlight, humidity, or a number of other issues that are almost uncontrollable considering where we all live. During an outbreak, he becomes extremely vulnerable to other secondary infections, and needs a clean environment, which the grandmother can simply not give him.

His grandmother removed Maligah from MERCY again several weeks ago, saying again that even though she understands the seriousness of his physical condition, she misses him so much she needs him with her. Approximately 2 weeks ago Pui & Lhen visited them both at Grandma’s home and Maligah seemed fine, his skin was still clear and obviously they were happy together.

Some time after that we received a call that Maligah was in hospital with a serious outbreak and Mai went to see him. A meeting was planned for Friday morning Sept. 8th at 11:00 am with those most directly involved with his care (Fountain of Life, MERCY, Pattaya Welfare & Grandma) to discuss long term plans for Maligah.

When Sister Joan arrived at Banglamung hospital Friday morning to visit Maligah before the scheduled meeting, his bed was empty. She was told that he passed away at 05:00 am that morning, and although the report was not complete, Sr. Joan was told he died of secondary infections that he was not strong enough to fight because of the extremely serious outbreak of his psoriasis, which had this time affected him internally as well as externally. He was unable to eat, move well, sleep much, and was in constant pain.

Fountain of Life & MERCY met with Grandma to discuss funeral arrangements. The funeral will take quickly because of the already degenerated state of his body.

Funeral will take place at the Buddhist temple near Siam Country Club Road

Mai, Pui & Lhen have arranged for flower wreath to be placed on Friday night

Sr. Joan phoned late Friday to say Christian prayer (in Thai) will be at 10 am on Sat. and cremation will be at 1 pm.

Funeral expenses will be covered by a Thai Foundation that provides this service for the poor.

I regret that this report may get to some too late from some to attend the service. For Maligah, his suffering is over. For our part, we believe he lives on in heaven, in all his enthusiasm and spontaneous infectious unconditional love for life and for those around him. May we remember him by living out the best of who he was in our lives.

With love, Fred & Dianne Doell … for MERCY Center

I only wish that I had spent more time with him and had been on hand to pay what ever it took to relieve his suffering and keep him alive.

But Dianne and Fred don't like to "put on people" too much. They just want more people to do a little bit - to spread the burden.

Some of you out there have been very generous, and I thank you so much for that - but we can't let any more Maligah's die, can we?

This is our town. These are our kids.

[Pattaya_Fox]

Very sad news Mobi and he was only 6 years old.

Yes folks please help as much as you can whether donating items which Mobi has listed or making a payment donation.

[Artisan]

Mobi, that's so sad. I met Malagah when I visited the the Mercy Mission and, as you say, he was lovely and brimming with life and laughter and the staff treasured him. That day was sunny and still and Malagah was having a great time playing outside in the garden and running from the water spray. His eager enjoyment of that simple pleasure was a joy to see.

We know that there will be more like Malagah.

[Mobi]

bumpity bumpity bump

[Scott]

May he R.I.P. and may all those who have helped him be blessed. Your kindness is great.

[kat]

Poor little sweet baby. I dream of a time when I can do more. So sorry we of the human race on Earth right now failed him.

[Chang_paarp]

Mobi

Is there anything urgently needed at the mission?

Apart from the ongoing need for cash to keep the place operating.

[hiromj]

Mobi,

I'm sorry this had to happen. I think you are doing a great job helping these kids and getting other BM's involved.

I will be back in Pattaya next week. I still have your cell phone number and I will contact you soon.

Again, Sorry,

Hiro