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He was chosen to lead. But shame made him hide.

Désiré is a respected elder in his community. But for years, two untreated conditions made him increasingly withdraw from the people who depended on him.

Country Toamasina, Madagascar
Age 64
Treatment Maxillofacial and tumour surgery
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Meet Désiré

In his village, Désiré is the Tangalamena, a respected elder chosen by his community to offer guidance, resolve conflicts and speak at important gatherings.

But behind that respected role, Désiré was hiding conditions he couldn't afford to have treated. One had affected him for more than 30 years. Later, a swelling appeared on his face and continued growing.

I feel ashamed when I stand in front of people. I hid it with oversized shirts and my large hat.
Désiré
  • As Tangalamena, Désiré was trusted to guide his neighbours, resolve disagreements and speak when his community came together.

As Tangalamena, Désiré was trusted to guide his neighbours, resolve disagreements and speak when his community came together.

Decades of hiding ended with two surgeries

When Désiré and his wife heard on the radio that the Africa Mercy® was offering free surgery, they decided to seek help.

Aboard the hospital ship, Désiré learned that his two conditions could be treated. He underwent two separate operations, followed by several weeks of recovery.

For the first time in decades, the conditions he had tried so hard to hide were gone.

  • After years without the means to seek surgery, Désiré met the team who could treat both of his conditions.

After years without the means to seek surgery, Désiré met the team who could treat both of his conditions.

I've put this old shirt aside, because I'm healed now and I don't feel any shame anymore.
Désiré.

Help someone return to the life waiting for them

For Désiré, surgery meant more than treating two conditions. It meant putting aside the clothes he used to hide, returning to his community and standing before others with confidence again.

Others are still living with treatable conditions because surgical care is beyond their reach. Your gift can help make life-changing surgery possible, giving more people the opportunity to leave years of limitation behind and return to the people and roles that matter to them.

Help make the next story possible.

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See where healing can lead