Published Dec 18, 2010 11:04PM
They are two brothers, alone in Utah, taking care of each other. Around them in Salt Lake City is a small Ethiopian community trying to help. But for Terefe Abtew Mekonnen, 39, and his older brother, Beshaw A. Feleke, 40, the problem they face is bigger than they can handle.Mekonnen has been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease; his kidneys are failing, a condition stemming from long-standing diabetes. He hopes for a costly kidney transplant.
This former Ethiopian refugee, now a permanent Utah resident, stares down at a shaky medical future with a brother beside him, but little else.
“I am worried about his life,” said Feleke, his eyes drifting over to his younger brother, the only family member within reach. Both spent time in refugee camps — Mekonnen’s stay was 16 years — after fleeing a civil war that drove many Ethiopians from their African home.
A sister made it to Denver, and Feleke found an immigration sponsor in Utah. Mekonnen followed, coming to Utah five years ago ahead of his family to start a new life.
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