Joseph is a small scale farmer and a father of 8 with 7 living children. He lost his first wife who had 7 children, but lost one, and then re-married and together they have a 2-year-old child. His new wife is also a small-scale farmer and they depend on farming to cater to their daily needs. Their family has a four-room mud house for shelter.
For one year, Joseph has had an umbilical hernia. He developed severe abdominal pains and initially thought he had developed ulcers. He decided to get medication for ulcers, which did not help at all. Since then, his pains have been persistent. He can no longer lift heavy loads or even do farming for a long time. He reported to Rushoroza Hospital and after a review by the surgeon, a herniorrhaphy is recommended. If not treated, the hernia could become strangulated and obstructed. He is however unable to afford the surgery.
Fortunately, on October 22nd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $170 to fund Joseph’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.
Joseph says, “I hope to get better through surgery. This condition has affected my way of life negatively and I seek medical attention. I hope to proceed with farming as soon as I get better.”