“Due to the hernia, I cannot play soccer in comfort and I cannot lift heavy things—for example, I cannot fetch enough water from the well,” says Kyomuhendo, a 13 year old boy from Uganda.
Besides soccer, Kyomuhendo also likes science and mathematics, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day.
For the past three years, Kyomuhendo has had on and off swelling in the right scrotal and inguinal area, and has been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall. “If not treated, Kyomuhendo will be at risk of strangulation,” says his doctor.
A strangulated hernia is a dangerous, potentially fatal condition where blood flow is cut off to the trapped tissue, which results in rapid tissue death.
“Kyomuhendo’s parents are unable to pay for his surgery because they have no stable income,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. “Kyomuhendo’s father is a retired teacher and the mother is a stay at home mom.”
For $220, Kyomuhendo will receive surgery to repair the hernia and strengthen the affected spot in his abdominal muscles. He will be able to concentrate in school and help out at home.
