Meet Dennis, a young 15-year-old boy who lives with his three siblings at their family friend’s home in Kenya. His mother works as a house help in the Middle East, and according to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “Dennis’ biggest dream is to have his mother back in Kenya and for him to provide for her every need.”
“Dennis has a swelling on the right inguinal region,” explains AMHF. “He is experiencing pressure and intense pain around the area.” An inguinal hernia is when the soft tissue from the abdomen (such as fat or part of the intestine) protrudes through a weak part of the abdominal wall in the groin region. “If Dennis is not treated, there is risk of associated life threatening complications such as obstruction, strangulation of the intestines and cutting off blood supply to body tissues,” continues AMHF.
“Dennis’ mother managed to send [him] some money for his treatment,” says AMHF, “but she could not raise the funds required for Dennis’ surgical care.” Dennis continues to explain, “My mother has struggled to get the money she sent for me to get treated and this is the most she could raise.”
$430 in funding will pay for Dennis’ operation to fix the defect in his abdominal wall that was caused by the protrusion. While Dennis is under general anaesthesia, doctors will make an incision in the area where his hernia is located in order to bring the edges of the defect together and lay a patch of mesh on the repaired section to further strengthen the closure.
After this procedure, Dennis will no longer be in pain and will be able to concentrate in school and work towards his dreams. “I am disturbed knowing that my mother works as a house help in the Middle East,” says Dennis. “My biggest dream and hope is to help her someday when I am through with school.”
