Suntar is a 54-year-old small scale farmer. She’s a mother of six and lives with her husband. She shared that her husband has mental illness and currently stays home all day as he can no longer engage in any income-generating activity. Together they own a three-room home that requires replacement because it is in bad shape. Her firstborn is 23 years old and is currently in an institution of higher learning while her youngest child is 16 years old and in primary school class six.
For 21 years, Suntar has had an epigastric hernia. She developed a small swelling on her stomach which was more visible whenever she got pregnant and would disappear after delivery. She has never sought treatment from any medical facility due to lack of funds. But now she is experiencing severe pains and an increased breathing rate. This has greatly affected her daily routine as she can no longer do farming comfortably. Recently she visited a hospital and after a review by the doctor, a herniorrhaphy was recommended. If not treated, the hernia could become strangulated. She requests assistance since she is not able to meet the surgery costs.
Fortunately, on October 22nd, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $170 to fund Suntar’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently.
Suntar says, “I hope to get well through surgery. I have struggled very much with my condition but I finally hope to live a better and normal life again. I will continue with farming to be able to take care of family.”