Feyisa is a 72-year-old farmer from Ethiopia. He spent his entire life working under the sun, tilling the soil with his own hands to make sure his three children never went without. He is a man who defines hard work, but today, his strength is being tested differently. A large, heavy growth, called a lipoma, has formed on his head. The swelling is so visible that it has stolen his peace of mind. After a lifetime of caring for others, he is now the one in need of comfort, as this burden on his scalp makes it hard for him to rest or feel like himself.
The swelling on his scalp first appeared three years ago. Back then, it didn’t bother him, and since money was tight, he decided to ignore it and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, the swelling has grown, pulling at his eye in a strange, scary way—as if his eyeball is being tugged toward his forehead. Worried by this new sensation, he is finally seeking medical help. This growth makes it very hard for him to wear a hat, which he needs to protect his skin from the hot sun while he works. Because of this, his daily chores have become a struggle instead of a routine. It is more than just a physical lump; it is a constant weight on his mind. After a lifetime of exhausting labor to care for his land and his family, this obstacle is standing in the way of the peaceful, comfortable retirement he worked so hard to earn.
Feyisa traveled to our medical partner’s care center to receive treatment. On January 3rd, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Feyisa needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure.
Feyisa shared, “More than just feeling better physically, I am so excited to finally have peace of mind. I want to spend my days focusing on my crops and my three children without this lump constantly worrying me. I look forward to feeling like a strong father and leader for my family again, with the confidence and comfort I’ve been missing.”