This is the story of Sory, a 17 year old from a rural part of Guinea. A couple of years ago, Sory had a bump on his face that started to grow. As the tumor grew, the people in his village thought he was cursed, and started to mock him. They even threw stones at him. His mom, Saran, hid him to protect him.
His tumor got so large that it took over most of his face, from his right eye downward. He could only eat a small amount of broth, and he grew very thin.
The tumor started to affect his breathing. His mother knew that he wouldn't live much longer.
Sory's uncle heard that the Africa Mercy was in the port in Conakry, so Sory and Saran came to the ship in November. Sory was so ashamed of his tumor that he hid under a large scarf.
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| Sory with his scarf |
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| Sory and his mom coming on the ship |
Sory had successful surgery for his tumor in November. He is one of many whose lives are changed by the surgery that they receive on the ship.
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| Saran, Sory and Patrick(one of the nurses) |
The above picture was taken about a month after his surgery, while Sory was recovering at the Hope Center. With large facial tumors, the skin stretches around the tumor. With the tumor removed, it takes a while for the skin to shrink back. Sory no longer has to hide behind a scarf, and he has been given new life.
Debbie
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