LIFE’S BROAD SEA

Bridget Booher | July 26, 2013

Laine Wagenseller ’90 felt helpless when he first met Adolf Baguma during a service trip to rural

Uganda. Orphaned as a young child, Baguma had suffered debilitating burns when a teenage aunt

threw scalding banana leaves on him as punishment for trying to get food. Baguma couldn’t walk up-

right—his legs were twisted by fused scar tissue—so he got from place to place by scooting himself

along on all fours.

Wagenseller shared his Uganda photos

with friends, prompting one to offer an

introduction to colleagues at the Chil

dren’s Burn Foundation in Los Angeles.

With assurance that they could

help Baguma walk again, Wagenseller co

ordinated Baguma’s trip to the U.S., where

he underwent three surgeries, several skin

grafts, and extensive physical-therapy ses

sions. He also attended school, learned

English, and became a member of the ex-

tended Wagenseller family, including

Laine’s four nieces and nephews. By the

time he was ready to return to Uganda this

past April, Baguma could walk and ride a bike and had even mastered a few skateboard moves.

“When I first met Adolf I felt bad for him, but I didn’t know what I could do,” says Wagenseller.

“What’s so neat about his story is that one photo led to a phone call, which led to meetings and offers

of help from people who didn’t even know him. It’s a testament to how little steps can lead to big

changes. We were able to improve the quality of life for Adolf, but he really changed the lives of eve-

ryone here who got to know and help him.”

Wagenseller, who is a member of Rotary International, says he is grateful for the sense of purpose he

gains from service work. “Our motto in Rotary is service above self. We may not be able to change

the world, but over the course of our lives, we can help one village, or one orphanage, or one child.”

One step at a time: A serendipitous encounter between

Wagenseller and Baguma led to efforts that helped the

Ugandan boy walk again.