“We have tried so many hospitals but have yet to get the help we need,” shares Namara’s mother.
Nine-year-old Namara comes from a big family in Uganda—he has eight siblings. In his third-grade classes, he excels in mathematics and English, and hopes to one day become an engineer so that he can design and build houses.
But it has been hard for Namara to focus on his studies lately. About four years ago, Namara’s mother noticed an unusual swelling in the young boy’s scrotum. After visiting a traditional healer and two hospitals without seeing any improvement, Namara’s mother visited our medical partner’s care center, Virika Hospital. There, doctors diagnosed Namara’s lump as a hydrocele, or an accumulation of excess fluid around the testicle.
Namara’s condition can be remedied with surgery, but his parents—who work as a farmer and a pastor—cannot afford to pay for it. For $185, though, we can sponsor Namara’s operation, scheduled for April 26. This funding will also cover the costs of his lab tests, medications, and three-week hospital stay.
After his surgery, Namara looks forward to having the strength to return to his studies. Let’s make sure he doesn’t have to take any more time away from pursuing his dream of becoming an engineer.