Help Christian get the surgery he desperately needs
Twelve-year-old Christian is fighting for his life. Join us in securing his adoption and life-saving spinal surgery.
The Urgent Need
At 12 years old and standing at just 4'5", Christian Kolleh is suffering from Pott’s disease, a severe tuberculosis infection of the spine that creates abscesses, gradually crushing his vertebrae and compressing his organs.Time is critical: without intervention, his declining health poses an immediate threat to his life.
Meet Christian
Christian’s dream is simple: to “be tall like his friends.”
But the reality is much more difficult than that.Christian lives in Ghana with his seventy-year-old American stepmother, Sharon Kolleh, who has faithfully provided for him since he was a toddler.However, because Christian was never legally adopted before his father died, Sharon cannot bring him to the U.S. or authorize the medical procedures he desperately needs until the adoption is finalized.
The Reality of Our Situation
The Risk of State Care: If the adoption is not completed, Christian faces Ghana’s state system, where over half of children face physical abuse, 40% of those under 5 suffer from malnutrition, and nearly 70% of residential homes operate without a legal license. Christian would become incredibly vulnerable to child labor and worse, sex trafficking.If Christian does not get the specialized surgery he needs (cleaning out the pockets of infection in his spine and implanting a steel rod), he will eventually die of suffocation, a heart attack, or sepsis, all while slowly becoming paralyzed.
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Who We Are
James Kepka:
Hi, I’m Jim, a husband, father, veteran, worship leader, and man of faith. I served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and now continue that mission as an Air Force civilian supporting combat search and rescue forces. Throughout my life, service has meant more to me than simply what I do for a living. I believe love is meant to act, especially when we see someone hurting and have an opportunity to help.Sharon and Christian are walking through circumstances no family should have to carry alone, and their story moved me because the need is real. I believe we are all called to step in and help when someone is suffering, not simply watch from a distance. My hope through Hope for Christian is to see their immediate needs met, Christian to receive the care he needs, and ultimately see him healthy, settled, and able to walk into the hope and future God has for his life.
Joell Kepka:
Hey! I’m Joell, a wife, mom, worship leader, and longtime ministry leader with a heart for people in difficult seasons. I spent more than a decade working in the medical field before stepping away to focus on my family. I’ve witnessed how powerful it is when someone sees a person’s need and steps into their story with compassion.I’ve known Sharon through ministry for many years, and what she and Christian have walked through has touched me deeply. Watching her endure tremendous loss while continuing to fight for Christian made it impossible for me to stand on the sidelines. I desire to use my voice to help others see this little boy's need, understand the urgency of his story, and help Sharon as she fights to give Christian the chance he deserves.
Mason Kepka:
Hello, Internet! I'm Mason, an 18-year-old child of God, a recent Summit Christian Academy graduate, and an incoming Christopher Newport University student. I enjoy singing, piano, ballroom dance, writing, and theater. Having recovered from childhood cerebral palsy and severe asthma through God’s grace, I am eager to help Christian on his own road to recovery, using the skills God has given me to serve Him!I run all the background, "techy" stuff for Hope for Christian, including this website! :)
We understand there are a lot of "charities" out there. That's why we want to be completely transparent about where donators' funds go. Below is a tentative list of the expenses we expect to encounter on the road to Christian's recovery. The numbers may not be exact (they are our best guess)! Thank you for understanding!- The Kepka Family
Cost Breakdown:
TOTAL RAISED
GOAL
$45,300
Adoption Finalization
Travel
Liberia transportation & taxis
$3,600
Housing
3-month eligibility requirement
$1,050
General
Support & well-being
$750
Legal Fee
Cost of lawyer
$900
Spinal Surgery at FOCOS Hospital
Surgical Cost
assuming no complications and w/ minimal post-op
$39,000
Total Amount to
Save Christian = $45,300
HELP MEET THE NEED
Learn the "why" behind this breakdown + stay in the know
Follow every chapter of Christian and Sharon's story, from the first diagnosis to our current mission.
Wear Your Support!
Shop exclusive Hope for Christian apparel. 100% of proceeds go directly toward Christian's medical and adoption needs!
Our Commitment to You
We prioritize absolute transparency. While we are not a 501(c)(3) due to sponsorship hurdles, we personally cover all operational costs of this fundraiser. This ensures that 100% of your contribution goes directly to Christian’s medical and adoption needs. If you have any questions, please reach out to us personally at [email protected].
How to Help
Nothing is Too Small
Donate: Contribute via GoFundMe or Directly through CashApp.
Shop: Visit our store and purchase some merchandise.
Share: Tell Christian’s story to your community to help us reach our goal.
Pray: Keep Christian and Sharon in your prayers for health and legal favor.
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