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His father refused to give up

For years, Hamady searched for treatment for his son Daouda as a growing facial tumour made eating, speaking and going to school increasingly difficult. Then one more journey finally brought the care Daouda needed within reach.

Country Dakar, Sénégal
Age 13
Treatment Maxillofacial and tumour surgery

Video

Video

Meet Daouda

A small growth first appeared in Daouda's upper jaw when he was a toddler. As it grew, eating and speaking became increasingly difficult, and eventually he had to leave school.

His father, Hamady, searched across Senegal and neighbouring countries for someone who could help.

Again and again, they came home without an answer.

  • For years, Hamady travelled from hospital to hospital and across countries, determined to find treatment for his son.

For years, Hamady travelled from hospital to hospital and across countries, determined to find treatment for his son.

I must take him.
Hamady, Daouda's father

One more journey changed everything

In 2022, Hamady heard that the Africa Mercy® was offering free surgery in Senegal.

Leaving his farm during the rainy season wasn't easy. People even told him the journey was pointless. But after years of searching, Hamady decided to try once more.

This time, father and son finally found the specialist surgical care Daouda needed.

When they sent us to the ship, that is when I started to breathe in peace.
Hamady
  • After years of searching, Hamady brought Daouda aboard the Africa Mercy®, hoping this time would be different.

After years of searching, Hamady brought Daouda aboard the Africa Mercy®, hoping this time would be different.

Back to thinking about school

Before his condition forced him to stop attending school, Daouda had been at the top of his class.

Now his father can encourage him to think about learning again and catching up on the years he missed.

“Go ahead. It is never too late. You will catch up. Because you are intelligent, you will catch up.”
Hamady

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Help another family find the answer they've been searching for

For Daouda, surgery meant being able to eat and speak more easily and the possibility of returning to the classroom. For his father, it meant the end of a search that had taken them across countries and lasted for years.

Other families are still searching for surgical care they cannot access. Your gift can help bring life-changing surgery within reach, giving more children the chance to return to school, grow and look ahead to what comes next.

Help make the next story possible.

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