Charlotte, 2, Urgently Needs Surgery—and Help

A toddler, a rare disease, a race against time. Charlotte Tatu Kilero is battling cystic lymphangioma and needs surgery outside her home country of the Congo.

Keys points: 

• Charlotte Tatu Kilero, 2, suffers from cystic lymphangioma, with a benign but potentially devastating tumor. Her only hope is specialized treatment and surgery abroad, as the local medical infrastructure cannot guarantee safe treatment.

• Orphaned at birth, Charlotte overcame the loss of her parents and now lives in the care of Madame Christine Kilero, who offers her love and stability, despite limited resources.

• Charlotte's care and travel costs require urgent financial support. Any help, whether material or moral, can assist in giving her a better future.

By Fiston Okito

Last March, we told you about a 2-year-old girl who, since birth, has been silently battling a disease that defies comprehension. Today, we are appealing again for help.

Charlotte Tatu Kilero suffers from cystic lymphangioma, a lymphatic malformation with potentially dire consequences if not treated quickly and appropriately. Her only hope: surgery abroad, beyond the limitations of the Congolese health care system.

Cystic lymphangioma is a benign tumor of the lymphatic vessels, often found on the head and neck of young children. Since our first report in March, Charlotte’s tumor has been determined to be non-cancerous, but the ongoing accumulation of fluid in her head is already compromising her brain development and threatening her overall health.

Only specialized surgery can halt the progression of the disease and prevent serious neurological damage, according to Dr. Ramazani Matthieu, a specialist in maxillofacial surgery who has studied Charlotte's case.

This delicate operation cannot be carried out safely in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the appropriate medical infrastructure is lacking, he said. 

“It is not appropriate to perform the surgery here in Congo, as the success rate is barely 5%, against a 95% risk,” the doctor said. For such a young child, the risks of a local operation are too high. He recommends that the girl be evacuated to a specialized medical facility outside the country.

Charlotte and her caregiver, Madame Christine Kilero, are currently in Kinshasa, the country’s capital. They are awaiting additional advice from two other specialists.

Charlotte's story is one of extraordinary resilience. Fatherless even before birth, she lost her mother three months later, a victim of community violence in Kisangani. Abandoned, she was taken in by Madame Christine, who has made the protection of destitute children her life's mission.

Madame Christine commented that, despite all the hardships, Charlotte has shown remarkable courage. But today, illness threatens to rob her of a bright future.

Madame Christine, herself marked by tragedy—her home for street children in Kisangani was destroyed by fire in 2022—is devoting all her energy to Charlotte and the few other children in her care.

AI generated beans and rice

Today, Charlotte lives a discreet life, aware of her difference from others. She refuses to be photographed, shuns attention and allows herself to be approached only by Madame Christine and her son. Despite her pain and fears, she finds comfort in simple pleasures, like her favorite dish: rice and beans. Christine has said that her priority is to provide the little girl with a secure environment and all the love she needs, despite limited resources.

But the disease is progressing and time is running out. Madame Christine, a former shopkeeper, no longer has sufficient resources. She survives thanks to occasional help from benefactors, including Dr. Stellor Nlandu Khodo, who provides monthly financial support of between $100 and $150.

With the help of supporters, Madame Christine and Charlotte were able to flee eastern Congo, which is a conflict zone, and reach Kinshasa, where Charlotte has been undergoing preliminary medical examinations. 

In our earlier story, Madame Christine expressed gratitude for the help they have received so far.

“May God bless all those who support Charlotte,” she said.

Harper Hill Global's commitment alongside Charlotte and Christine:

Harper Hill Global is a non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee - USA, dedicated to improving human life and alleviating suffering using innovative media, messaging, and mobile solutions. Its core mission is to strengthen the human spirit by amplifying voices for social good, particularly in the areas of health and trauma management.

Harper Hill Global has rallied to support Charlotte and Madame Christine. Drawing on its experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Harper Hill Global has already demonstrated its effectiveness in raising awareness, disseminating vital medical information, and networking healthcare players. Its approach is to act as a bridge between local needs and international aid, facilitating access to resources, communication technologies, and solidarity campaigns.

In Charlotte's case, Harper Hill Global is helping to spread her story beyond the Congolese borders, mobilizing support and seeking partnerships to enable her medical evacuation. The organization, founded by Reverend Neelley Hicks, uses its networks and digital tools to raise international awareness of the urgency of Charlotte's situation, while continuing to work for access to healthcare for the most vulnerable.

Give Now

Please choose Triumph Over Trauma and include "Charlotte" in the memo with your gift. We also are seeking connections with foundations and medical centers that may be able to help with Charlotte's care and recovery. Contact Neelley Hicks (Nhicks@harperhill.global) for details.

Please hold Charlotte and Madame Christine in your prayers. We walk in faith, knowing that God is a miracle worker.