Meet Nickson, a happy and active 12-year-old student living with his family in Tanzania. Although he loves playing with his classmates and studying science and Swahili, Nickson had to stop going to school due to severe abdominal pain. Nickson was recently diagnosed with gastric distention, a condition that causes internal swelling and incontinence. Without treatment, Nickson will not be able to carry on with most of his daily activities and will be at risk for fatal health complications.
Regardless of being the youngest of eight children, Nickson has a big personality and a large appetite for learning. He is particularly disappointed that he cannot go to school. Nickson’s parents own a small kiosk where they sell non-perishable goods and although they have been able to support their children and send them to school through their small business, they cannot afford the cost of Nickson's treatment. “I wish to become a professional soccer player when I grow up,” says Nickson; however first, he must regain his health.
For $975, Nickson will receive a specialized surgery to repair his intestines. This operation will relieve Nickson of his debilitating cramps and allow him to pass stool normally so that he can return to school pain-free and with the energy he needs for the classroom and the soccer field!