Mugisa is a 66 years old married man from Uganda, and a father of six. All of his children are now adults and casual laborers. Mugisa has a small banana plantation where he gets food for his family, selling the surplus to get money to support his family.
In 2006, Mugisa developed painful swelling in his inguinal (groin) area. He visited a hospital once where he was diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition where part of his intestine is protruding through his inner groin area in both sides. He was advised to have surgery, which he cannot afford. Mugisa has been using herbs but he has had no relief. Due to pain, he is unable to lift or carry heavy items. He also cannot dig and or walk long distances. If not treated, the hernia could become stuck, leading to damage to the intestine or even the stomach.
$249 will cover the costs of the surgery and care Mugisa needs. After surgery, he hopes to regain his strength and work hard to rehabilitate his banana plantation, so that it can produce good bananas.