Kalyegira is a 76-year-old tailor from Uganda. He is married and the father of nine. His children are all adults and married, taking care of their own families. He is a tailor, but has not been able to work since he became sick. Kalyegira’s wife owns a small retail shop where she sells items such as soap, salt, and sugar. They are now depending on the little money his wife gets from this shop.
Kalyegira started feeling pain and later developed a swelling in his right inguinal (groin) area six months ago. Due to the pain, he is unable to lift heavy items, do tailoring, or pull his goats to grazing areas. Kalyegira visited a hospital where he was diagnosed with a right inguinal reducible hernia, a condition where part of his intestine is protruding through his inner groin area. He was advised to have surgery, but he can’t to pay for it. If not treated, the hernia could become stuck leading to damage to the intestine or even the stomach.
$249 will cover the costs of the surgery and care Kalyegira needs. After surgery he hopes to regain his strength and resume tailoring so that he can help support his family.