Mc Donald is a 25-year-old father of three from Malawi. A small-scale farmer, Mc Donald has recently been unable to tend to his farm after planting due to his illness. His wife, who has been by his side throughout this ordeal, also had to leave their children under the care of their grandmother, further straining family’s situation.
Four months ago, Mc Donald began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe, sharp pain in his right inguinal region, causing alarm within his family. He developed breathing difficulties and was rushed to the nearest health facility, which immediately transferred him to the referral hospital via ambulance. Upon arrival, he was diagnosed with bowel perforation and a strangulated right inguinal hernia, where a portion of the small bowel was trapped in the hernia sac. Mc Donald disclosed that he had experienced recurrent swelling and pain episodes in the past but never sought medical attention, as the symptoms would often subside. Unfortunately, he continued engaging in strenuous activities, unknowingly worsening his condition. He underwent a double-barrel ileostomy, a temporary measure to divert stool and mucus drainage, to allow the injured bowel section to heal. Presently, he is now fit for reversal to restore normal bowel function.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,244 to fund Mc Donald’s surgery. On August 5th, he will undergo a laparotomy procedure at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life.
“Hiding my illness has taught me a bitter lesson. I will always report to the hospital when I feel sick,” said Mc Donald.

