After 15 years of pain, Farah found hope

For more than 15 years, Farah lived with a growing tumor around his jaw and neck. As the pain and weakness increased, the 65-year-old farmer eventually lost the strength to work and provide for his family.

Country Freetown, Sierra Leone

Age 65

Treatment Maxillofacial and tumour surgery

Meet Farah

Farah comes from a small village in Sierra Leone, where he is known for his warm personality and infectious smile.

His condition began with a decaying tooth. After it was removed, a sore remained and gradually developed into a large mass around his jaw and neck.

Farah searched for treatment in hospitals and even travelled to Guinea, but nothing stopped it from growing.

What began with a decaying tooth gradually developed into a large tumor around Farah's jaw and neck, affecting his life for more than 15 years.

Fifteen years of pain ended with one surgery

Aboard the Global Mercy™, Farah was diagnosed with a benign tumor affecting his jaw and facial bones. After years of unsuccessful treatment, a volunteer surgical team was finally able to remove it.

When his dressings came off, Farah was handed a mirror.

“He looked again and again, just to be sure. He was completely amazed.”
Dr Georg Eggers, volunteer surgeon

After more than 15 years, Farah could finally begin his journey home without the tumor that had taken so much of his strength.

Farah prepared for surgery after years of living with pain and uncertainty.

Home with peace of mind

When Farah returned home, his family and community gathered to welcome him. They had watched him struggle for years and feared he might never return home well.

For Farah and his wife, the change was about more than what they could see. It brought something they had been missing for years: peace of mind.

God answered our prayers, Mercy Ships helped us, and now our hearts are at peace

said his wife, Mariama.

Help make another family's long-awaited healing possible

Donate today

For Farah, surgery meant more than removing a tumor. It meant relief after more than 15 years of pain, returning home to the people he loves and finding the peace of mind his family had waited years to feel.

Many people are still living with conditions that could be treated if specialist surgical care were within reach. Your gift can help make life-changing surgery possible, giving more patients the chance to return to their families with renewed hope for what comes next.

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