He Came Back from the Edge of Death: Alexis' Fight Against Diabetes

At just 14 years old, Alexis Niyokindi has already endured more suffering than many experience in a lifetime.

 

 For two months, he lay between life and death after severe diabetes pushed him into a coma. Today, he is alive because someone chose to care.

Alexis is the third of six children. When he was only 10 years old, poverty forced him and his siblings to survive on Bujumbura's garbage dump.

 

"My mother sent us to the dumpsite to collect charcoal so we could help find something to eat. We picked rotten potatoes from the trash, wrapped them in metal sheets, roasted them, and ate them. It was hell," Alexis recalls with tears.

 

The harsh conditions on the dump left deep scars. Hunger, infections, and untreated illnesses weakened his body year after year.

 

Everything changed when Back To Life Association rescued Alexis, giving him safe care, food, education, and medical care. 

But the years of neglect had already taken their toll.

One day, Alexis suddenly collapsed.

 

“I fell unconscious. They first rushed me to a local health center, then immediately transferred me to the hospital. When I arrived, I died. I didn' know what followed. When I came back to life, I found an oxygen mask on my face and blood being transfused into my body.” He recalled how he nearly died due to unknow diabetes.   

Alexis as he was hospitalized 

 

Doctors diagnosed him with severe diabetes that had gone undetected for too long. Alexis had slipped into a coma, and for days his life hung in the balance. After two months of intensive treatment, he finally returned home.

 

Today, Alexis injects insulin twice every day. Missing even one injection could put his life in danger. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of Back To Life Association, he receives the treatment and care he needs to survive.

 

Despite everything he has been through, Alexis refuses to give up.

He recently passed his  examination and is preparing to begin Grade 6 this September. His dream of an education is still alive.

 

“I am grateful to Back To Life. They gave me my life back. Without them, I would no longer be alive. I don't have enough words to thank them.”  He said.

 

Alexis' story is not unique. Back To Life Association currently provides full-time care to 123 children and partial support to more than 400 others. Every weekend, children living on the dumpsite receive meals, and on some occasions also receive clothing, shoes, and hygiene supplies. Yet hundreds still return to the garbage dump each day, where disease, hunger, and danger continue to threaten their lives.  Alexis was given a second chance. Countless others are still waiting for theirs and back to Life hopes to take them in once supporte. 

Thanks to Our Sponsors

We would like to thank all our sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to their support, we were able to provide a memorable day for the children and the community.