“I have lived with this condition for seven years,” shares Kengonzi. “I can’t believe I am still alive.”
Kengonzi is a 25-year-old woman from Uganda. “Kengonzi is married and a mother of four boys, two of whom are twins. She is a casual laborer – she digs for people for a fee so that she can buy personal items and pay fees for her two children in Primary One,” describes our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
“Kengonzi got a swelling on her upper abdomen about seven years ago. She went to a hospital where she was diagnosed with epigastric hernia,” explains AMHF. “She was unable to pay for her treatment and decided to use herbs which she feels increased the pain. Due to pain, Kengonzi is unable to lift heavy items – she cannot fetch water or collect firewood for her family.”
If not treated, Kengonzi may develop intestinal incarceration, obstruction and strangulation. $220 funds a treatment that will eliminate these risks and help Kengonzi feel normal again.
After surgery, Kengonzi hopes to start a small business preparing and selling porridge.