Dirisa is a 10-year-old boy and the thirdborn of four children. At home, he cooks for his sisters when his mother is away. He dreams of being a chef or a school cook, as he loves food. He lost his father mid-last year and is now under the care of his mother, a farmer. Dirisa is currently in primary 4.
Since he was five years old, Dirisa has had an epigastric hernia. His mother noticed a swelling around his abdominal region while bathing him. One night, after a long day of cultivating, he started vomiting, complaining of severe abdominal pain, and bending while holding his abdomen as the pain worsened more when he could stand straight. In fear and panic, his mother rushed and took him to a nearby government health facility where he was given first aid treatment with painkillers. They were advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital but his mother was worried about medical expenses and went back home instead.
The swelling and pain persisted, so Dirisa's mother sold off the only stock of beans she had left meant for feeding the family so they could go to the hospital and seek treatment.
Fortunately, on November 5th, Dirisa will undergo hernia repair surgery and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund the procedure. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.
Dirisa's mother says, “Dirisa is the only hope I am left with, even at his tender age, he is so caring to me, his sisters, and everyone. Seeing him in pain breaks my heart. I could do anything to get him free of this pain, only that I can’t. I kindly request your support for the success of his surgery.”