“Appa, I Just Wanted a Glass of Juice…”

A 9-year-old HIV-positive child was lying in the hospital, weak but still hopeful. He looked at me and said, “Appa, I want a glass of juice.” It was such a small request, nothing expensive, nothing difficult. But by the time I returned with the juice, that boy was no more. He was waiting for me, believing that Appa would come back, but I couldn’t fulfill his last wish. That one moment still stays with me, reminding me how fragile their lives are and how every second matters.

The Day I Chose the Child No One Else Would

My name is Solomon Raj, and today, I am a father to 35 HIV-positive children. Each one of them calls me “Appa.” My journey began during a difficult phase in my life when my wife and I were unable to have children. While exploring adoption, I made a decision that changed everything. I told myself that if I adopt, it will be an HIV-positive child, someone who truly needs a home. I had seen how these children are abandoned, feared, and left alone because of a disease they never chose.

From One Child to a Home Full of Love

That decision slowly turned into a mission. What started with one child soon became a home for many. I realized that these children were not just orphans, they were victims of stigma and fear. Even today, many people don’t want to touch them because they are afraid of HIV. I wanted to build a place where they feel safe, accepted, and loved, a place they can finally call home.

They Said 5 Days. It’s Been 15 Years.

Over the years, this home has become a family. Despite doctors once saying these children wouldn’t survive more than 5 days, many of them have been with me for over 15 years now. We ensure they go to school, receive proper care, and live with dignity. I want them to have the best education and a healthy life, which is why we provide a high-protein diet as suggested by doctors. Seeing them smile, study, and grow is the biggest reward for me.

Judged, Isolated, But Still Standing With My Children

But this journey has not been easy. Many people think I am mad or assume that I have HIV myself, and that is why I take care of these children. Because of this, people have distanced themselves from me. Along with social stigma, the children are extremely vulnerable to water-borne and air-borne diseases, which means frequent hospital visits and very high medical expenses. Managing their healthcare, food, and education has become increasingly difficult.

A Small Help From You Can Change Their Whole Life

Today, I humbly request your support. These children don’t need sympathy, they need a chance to live, to smile, and to dream. Your contribution will help us provide them with medical care, nutritious food, and education. When you support them, you are not just helping, you are giving them a life they were once denied. Please come forward and be a part of this journey, because together, we can give these children the future they deserve.


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