This is Agnes, a 23-year-old farmer, from Uganda. The last few years have been especially difficult for Agnes and her mother. Her mother recently fractured her leg and has just started walking again. During that time, both Agnes and her mother have been completely dependent on family members for help because they also lost Agnes’ father a year ago.
As a child, Agnes developed an umbilical hernia, a swelling on her belly that usually resolves itself, but hers has remained. The swelling has gotten progressively worse, now causing her much pain and restricting her ability even to walk. She has not been able to work or participate in daily activities.
$208 in funding will cover surgical expenses and medication provided by Watsi’s medical partner, the Kellermann Foundation, so that a repair of her weakened abdominal muscle wall can be done. A small incision, re-placement of the intestinal tissue, and mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall should allow Agnes to be back on her feet quickly. She will be able to work on their small farm again and provide support for her mother.
“My mother has helped me so much; I want to help her,” shares Agnes. “Thank you to all the donors for their help and healing me of this illness. It has given me hope for the future.” Eventually, once she is healthy, Agnes would like to learn tailoring so she can start a small business of her own, making and repairing clothes.
