Bereket is an 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia. His happiness brightens everyone around him. His mother shared, “The fact that he is such a happy child helps me manage my stress. When I see him smiling and playing, I feel a sense of ease and relief from my sadness.” Bereket enjoys wrestling with his father and friends, and he has a keen interest in computers and mobile phones. Bright and playful, he not only excels in his studies but also brings joy and light to his family’s life. He loves going to school and performs well in his classes.
Bereket was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Bereket has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future.
Bereket’s father is a lecturer at Mekele University, while his mother works as a nurse. Despite both being professionals, their combined income is modest. When Bereket required surgery, they went to a hospital and learned that the cost was beyond what the family could afford. His mother then turned to the charity organization where she works. One of the leaders there informed her about our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre and encouraged the family to seek care through its services. The charity organization covered their transport and accommodation, enabling the family to travel and access care. In addition to Bereket’s current condition, his mother had previously sought treatment for his syndactyly (a congenital condition in which fingers or toes are fused), which required significant financial effort. The family has also endured the painful loss of another child who suffered from a heart condition, whom his mother cared for over many years.
Bereket will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 29th. AMH is requesting $1,073 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care.
“At the previous hospital, the doctors told me that I needed to find a surgeon with more experience to operate on this case. To finally find that care here is such a relief and a great hope for me. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” Bereket’s mother said.