Agnes Zantsi is a hero in our eyes. This loving grandmother was abused and neglected as a child. At age 10 she spilled paraffin on her dress, which caught fire and burned her from head to toe. She was neglected in this condition until she nearly died, then spent 18 months in the hospital.

Agnes married, had children and fought in the struggle against Apartheid. She's been shot and has bullet holes in her legs. She spent 5 years in prison and 10 years in exile until she saw the corrupt Apartheid regime end in 1994.

Her husband and one of her sons were both killed, and now Agnes fights the struggle against AIDS. Besides caring for and encouraging the many AIDS sufferers in her community, she has taken in 4 children with AIDS who were abused and abandoned by their parents.

Thanks to Agnes' loving care and nurturing, Thobela, Aphiwe, Athenkosi and Sinazo are thriving, staying healthy and getting a good education.

Agnes is now serving on our Bridges of Hope committee, helping us to know and meet the needs of her suffering community. She is an inspiration to us all.