John is a young student from Uganda. He is the firstborn in his family, with a younger brother who is currently in middle school. At 10 years old, John is a sharp, smart, confident, outstanding, and social boy. He has a close relationship with his father, often seen gazing at him affectionately during the interview. He is a pupil at Nyakibale Upper Primary School, studying in Primary Four. Academically, he performs well. When asked what he wants to be in the future, he confidently responded, “A doctor for hearts.” Although they have not yet studied the heart in school, John can name all its parts one by one, knowledge he learned from his father. His father works as an electrician, while his mother does tailoring. The family lives in a single-room permanent rental house near Nyakibale Hospital.
Since about a month ago, John has had a hydrocele, which is swelling in a sensitive area. The condition causes him pain when walking, playing football, sleeping with his thighs pressed together, and when sitting or standing for long periods. He was first taken to a nearby hospital, where he was examined and given medicine, but he did not experience any relief. As the pain worsened and the swelling increased, his father brought him to Nyakibale Hospital. After examination and a confirmatory scan, he was diagnosed with a communicating hydrocele and advised to undergo a hydrocelectomy. However, the family is unable to raise the amount required for the surgery and kindly appeals for your support.
Fortunately, on March 17th, John will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $139 to fund John’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.
John’s father says, “My little boy no longer even attends school well, he is ever worried because every time he sits for long, the pain reoccurs. I kindly appeal to you for support because personally, the money I earn can’t enable me to afford the cost of his surgery.”