John is an elderly subsistence farmer from Uganda. For the past four years, he has been struggling with right inguinal swelling that was recently diagnosed as a hernia. The hernia has been obstructing his daily life, especially when he has to do strenuous activities, coughing, or standing for long. He had been to a hospital previously but could not afford the cost of surgery.
When he came to Nyakibale Hospital, where Watsi has a program, he had herniorrhaphy surgery recommended. The surgery will help resolve the hernia, reducing chances of strangulations and further complications.
John and his wife live in their small piece of land cultivating beans, cassava and millet. He currently is unable to attend the farm due to the pain. His 12 children are all grown up, leaving John with 6 grandchildren to care for. They also farm coffee, with most of the income paying school fees for his grandchildren. John requires surgery but is not able to pay for the cost.
Fortunately, on April 25th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund John’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.
John says “I hope to get better after my surgery so that I can continue with cultivation because it’s not something I only do for a living but something I really love to do.”