We are pleased to share an update on sponsor Mphatso’s progress. As you’ll recall, we were introduced to Mphatso late in 2021 when Ali, a former Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, reached out looking for help in getting care for two young boys. Ali did an incredible job fundraising to cover the indirect costs of getting Mphatso care at Mercy James Children’s Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.
In February 2022, Mphatso and his father traveled to Blantyre so Mphatso could undergo tests to receive an official diagnosis. The doctors and specialists at Mercy James determined Mphatso suffers from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which happens when a group of blood vessels form incorrectly. The arteries and veins are tangled and form direct connections instead of connecting through capillaries as they should to bypass normal tissue. It was discovered that Mphatso had two veins feeding the growth.
In March 2022, Mphatso underwent the first procedure which closed one of the two veins feeding the growth. Since then, the swelling has gone down significantly under Mphatso’s chin and on the side of his face where the vein was. This is great news.
Mphatso’s case has been reviewed not only by the specialists at Mercy James but by a team of AVM specialists in Denmark. Getting Mphatso the care he deserves has evolved into a true international effort.
Last week, Mphatso and his mother returned to Mercy James so Mphatso could be examined, undergo a few more tests, and have his second procedure during which the second of the two veins feeding the growth was closed. Doctors are optimistic the swelling will decrease significantly after this procedure.
So far, we have heard that the procedure was completed and Mphatso is doing well. Mphatso’s lead surgeon at Mercy James is conferring with the AVM specialists in Denmark and has promised additional updates on Mphatso’s progress early next week.
Once the surgeons all agree on a course of action, we will share that with all of Mphatso’s incredible donors, supporters, and cheerleaders.
Thank you for making a difference in this young boy’s life.