Two-year-old Kemanzi lives in Uganda with her parents and four older siblings who are all in school. Her mother is a housewife and her father sells children’s items. They also have a small plantation where they grow coffee to fund their children’s education and daily needs.
When Kemanzi was one-year-old she developed a swelling in her umbilical area. The swelling has been on and off, but when it enlarges it causes her to throw up. Kemanzi cries a lot when she is in pain, which also keeps her mother from getting enough sleep.
Kemanzi’s mother took her to a local health center where she was diagnosed with a hernia. This is a protrusion of the intestines through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. They were advised to go to a hospital for further examination, where they were told that surgery was the only treatment for Kemanzi– surgery her family was unable to afford. However, if left untreated Kemanzi’s condition is likely to lead to intestinal obstruction.
For $220, doctors will surgically reposition the protruding section of intestine back into place, and repair the tear in Kemanzi’s abdominal wall. After recovery, she will be free of pain and can continue to grow up with a happy and healthy childhood.
“I spend sleepless nights when my baby is in pain,” Kemanzi’s mother shares. “After her surgery I hope to have peace of mind.”