It still feels remarkable that this connection was ever made, and that this road forward seems doable. In one of our text exchanges with the support group, it was noted that it indeed does take a village. It’s complicated enough in Malawi when the issue is straight-forward - ie, requiring just one surgery to resolve an issue. And it takes so much extra dedication by so many talented and committed people to be able to stay on track for a multiple-years-long surgical and healing journey as is required for Mphatso. I’m amazed and grateful for all the people and resources that have come together!
Read moreMphatso Discharged!
Hello Everyone, Here is the latest update about Mphatso, with photos and videos included. On January 11, AHA Program Manager Angela and AHA Volunteer Jonathan visited Mphatso and his mother Aida at the Mercy James Hospital in Malawi. Mphatso had been there for well over six weeks following surgery #2a, then receiving treatment for a post-surgery infection, and finally receiving surgery #2b to close the open wound on his head from surgery #2a…
Read moreAn Update on Mphatso
I’m writing at long last with an update about Mphatso, the young Mozambican boy who you have supported so generously to get healthcare attention for his large facial tumor.
Read moreMphatso Case Update
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.
Read moreNurse Christina’s Visit to Mphatso’s Village in Mozambique
Nurse Chrsitina’s trip has given us a much deeper understanding of Mphatso’s home village, what his life is like, and the trepidations of traveling for medical care.
Read moreA post-op update on Mphatso!
I'm writing with the great news that Mphatso had his first surgery this past Wednesday and all went well!
Read moreMphatso's Story
Mphatso is a 12 year old boy who has had a growing facial tumor since he was born. His family lives in northern Tete, Mozambique, in a very remote village. Mphatso’s family has tried for years to get him help, traveling to neighboring Malawi many times trying to get medical attention.
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