Shem is a ten-year-old student from Kenya who aspires to be an engineer. Since his mother left for Dubai in search of work, he and his younger sister have been living with his grandparents. Shem’s father is unknown, and left their family several years ago.
For about three years, Shem has been experiencing abdominal pain. Sometimes pain relievers are able to help, but he has developed a bent posture to cope with the pain. While giving him a bath, his grandmother noticed that both of Shem’s testis were missing in the scrotal sac. Doctors at the local hospital confirmed that he has undescended testis, which is causing him the abdominal pain. He needs surgery to move his undescended testis to their correct place, otherwise he may develop a hernia or even testicular cancer.
Shem’s mother is not yet settled in Dubai, and therefore she is not able to raise the funds required for his surgical care. His grandparents are subsistence farmers with no external income. $570 will pay for Shem’s surgery, as well as his medical supplies and hospital stay. His family needs assistance to cover these costs.
After his procedure, Shem will be able to return home to his family and lead a normal happy childhood. “If I had not heard of the willingness of Watsi to help and love, I would have lost hope for having my nephew treated,” says Shem’s aunt. “Luckily, Watsi has come to our aid and I am touched.”