“I no longer have the strength to dig,” Abigaba shares. “But after recovery I will be able to take care of my banana farm.”
Abigaba is a 77-year-old man from Uganda. He usually earns his money from harvesting bananas in his backyard plantation, but a recent medical issue has taken him out of commission. Two years ago, Abigaba developed swellings in his scrotum. These masses, known as acquired hydrocele, are caused by a build-up of fluid around the testes. Abigaba’s swellings have been increasing in size; they are painful, and make walking uncomfortable for him.
A local councilman paid for Abigaba to visit a local health center, but the treatment he received there did not reduce the size of the swellings. Abigaba then visited Virika hospital, where doctors have recommended he undergo surgery to remove the hydrocele.
Abigaba cannot afford to pay for this surgery on his own. His wife passed away and his children have all grown up and moved out, leaving him as the sole resident and breadwinner of his home. Although one of his daughters provides him with meals, Abigaba does not have any money saved for extra spending, since he has not been able to work lately.
But we can help. For $215, Virika Hospital will provide Abigaba with hydrocele removal surgery, as well as his two-week post-operative hospital stay and medications.
Let’s make sure Abigaba can leave his daily discomfort behind, and return to earning a livelihood on his farm.
