For Isaac Kayu, a trip from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Louisville wasn’t just a 31-hour journey across continents. It was his only chance.
Isaac, 17, developed a benign tumor on his face. Over the past few years it grew and grew. In Congo, doctors didn’t have the resources to treat his condition. Without specialized surgery, the tumor would continue to grow, threatening his ability to eat, speak and live normally.
That’s where Norton Children’s stepped in.
Through a partnership with Healing the Children – Kentucky, and with support from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Doris Whittenberg Fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville, Isaac was welcomed to Louisville to receive the life-changing care he urgently needed.
A complicated surgery
Isaac’s case required a team of surgeons to perform an extremely complex operation. Led by Suzanne Barnes, DMD, FACS, pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgeon with Norton Children’s, they removed Isaac’s tumor and reconstructed part of his jaw using a bone from his leg.
“Here in the States, if caught earlier, this type of tumor could have been treated much more simply,” Dr. Barnes said. “But because of its size, the surgery became incredibly complex.”
The operation was a success. Isaac’s health was restored, and for the first time in years, he was able to smile without the shadow of the tumor.
A family away from home
While recovering, Isaac lived with the Richardson family. They made sure his stay in Kentucky wasn’t just about hospitals and doctors — taking him bowling, to the fair, out for sushi and even teaching him to play pool.
“We loved watching him discover things he’d never seen before,” said Kelly Richardson, his host mom. “From the beginning, he was family.”
A celebration of healing
Once Isaac recovered, his care team at Norton Children’s threw a going-away celebration. Among the guests was Emmy-nominated actress CCH Pounder. She and her organization, The African Millennial Foundation, helped support his journey.
“When I saw Isaac’s story, I knew I had to be a part of it,” CCH said. “This is why we do this work.”
Through an interpreter, Isaac shared how far he had come: “I am very happy — feeling strong, fitting, very courageous.”
Dr. Barnes echoed the feelings of joy.
“Isaac is one of the bravest people I’ve ever met,” she said. “I cannot imagine coming to a country not knowing the language, leaving your family. But at the end of the day, he knew he needed this tumor removed. He is bold and brave and courageous and will do great things.”
Bittersweet goodbyes
Isaac returned home in September. No further surgeries are needed, and Dr. Barnes expects his face to continue healing over time. Still, leaving his host family and those who cared for him was hard.
“I would like to stay,” he said.
The Richardson family feels the same way.
“It’s a tough goodbye,” Kelly said. “But I know that God has wonderful things planned for him back home.”