Announcement
Patrick smiles at his graduation beside IRC staff Kate Christman, Hannah Stocks and Mary Nelle Hall
Photo: Innocent Mugabo/IRC
When Patrick Karera walks into the IRC in Silver Spring office, IRC staff light up and turn to one another to say, “Can you believe how healthy he looks?” “Do you remember what he looked like when he arrived?” Anyone who saw Patrick when he arrived years ago knows there was a time when it was unclear if he would live to see his next birthday. To see him alive and well is a triumph for the IRC staff who remember all too well his early days in America. Knowing that he is healthy, a high school graduate who has been accepted into community college is beyond extraordinary.
Patrick arrived to the United States after spending most of his life in a refugee camp. He and his family fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to regional violence when he was very young. “The refugee camp in Rwanda wasn't a good life,” Patrick says. “People were dying every day killed by diseases like malaria. Others had been wounded by machetes and bullets…” Life as a refugee took a toll on Patrick. He began to experience extreme hunger, dehydration, and a series of complex health issues surrounding his heart. He arrived to the U.S. frail and emaciated. An IRC case worker took him directly from the airport to the hospital.
Patrick’s first full day in the U.S. was spent in the emergency room. IRC Case workers remember him as friendly but also a very sick, exhausted child who was in culture shock and unable to speak English. He underwent a double-valve heart replacement at National Children’s Medical Center that first week.
Today, when Patrick arrives to the IRC office he is tall, healthy and affectionate with staff. He is happy to share his story and speaks English well. “The doctors put a device in my heart,” he says tapping his chest. “As long as I don’t over exercise I am fine; I am normal”. When reflecting about IRC staff, he grins, “With IRC staff, yes you work and get paid, but I don’t think you are just working to get paid. You work for the person; if they need help you help them.”
In the years since his surgery, Patrick and his family received assistance from programs offered by IRC Reception and Placement, Health, Economic Empowerment, and Immigration teams. He continues to benefit from the refugee youth program that meets weekly to assist students with homework and cultural integration. “If I don’t understand something they repeat it so I can understand. They are really patient.” Through the youth program, Patrick has worked with mentors and IRC staff to prepare for the SAT and high school exit exams. Many of these individuals were in the stands during his graduation ceremony.
Patrick’s former case manager, Hannah Stocks delights in Patrick’s graduation. Hannah was the one that took him to the hospital when he first arrived to the United States.
Photo: Mary Nelle Hall/IRC
Patrick remembers his health struggles daily and has dreams of one day being a nurse or a doctor to help others. His parents are incredibly proud. Patrick is the first member in their family to graduate high school. He is enjoying the celebration and says it’s a time in his life he will never forget. “If I look back at how it was before and look at who I am right now, it is a very good thing.”
Written by/Emily Sernaker