Children
who are suffering from AIDS or infected with HIV ever so often end up in a
situation that is more pitiful than anyone could ever imagine. These young
souls are less likely to find sanctuary from their extended families or
friends, and can become outcasts in their very own communities. While many
charitable institutions and orphanages exist for the purpose of providing
abused and abandoned children with comfortable shelters and food, not many are
able to respond to the specific needs of HIV-positive and AIDS-infected children,
especially in the areas of medication, education, and love and care which can
only be found in a strong family structure.
Fortunately,
somewhere in Bangkok, Thailand, there stands BaanGerda,
a small community where nearly 100 HIV-affected and infected orphans are
provided with medical treatment in an environment that fosters strong
family-like bonds. With its concept
of providing these children with extensive HIV care and family-style shelters,
BaanGerda is able to nurture growth and recovery, as well as significantly
improve the health of all the children it accommodates.