DAOUDA, a brave teenage boy who endured years of suffering from an expanding facial tumour, has finally found relief through successful surgery, courtesy of international aid charity Mercy Ships. Daouda’s journey began when he was just four years old, with a tiny node emerging on his upper jaw. However, due to the lack of accessible dental care in Senegal, the condition worsened over time, transforming into a large and painful tumour that made it difficult for him to eat and speak.
His father, Hamady, shared the challenges they faced: ‘We have been to Mali, to Burkina Faso—everywhere.’ Despite their tireless efforts, they were unable to find a solution and Daouda was forced to quit school in 2019. Witnessing his son’s physical struggles, Hamady lost his own appetite and felt immense despair.
However, their fortunes changed when Hamady learned about Mercy Ships, which provides free surgeries to those who lack access to safe surgical care. Determined to seek help for his son, Hamady disregarded the challenges of leaving during the rainy season, a critical time for his farm, and decided to bring Daouda to the hospital ship in Dakar. Despite discouragement from their village, Hamady persisted, driven by the hope he found in the success stories shared on Mercy Ships’ Facebook page.
Reflecting on his decision, Hamady said, ‘When they sent us to the ship, that is when I started to breathe in peace.’ The surgical team, led by American surgeon Dr Mark Shrime, conducted a complex procedure that included tumour removal, skin grafts, and facial reconstruction. Dr Shrime explained that the specialised surgery had been impossible to carry out in any hospitals they had previously approached.
Dr Shrime expressed the motivation behind Mercy Ships’ mission: ‘Daouda’s story, how his father spent years trying to get care for his son, is why we do what we do. That’s the stuff that drives me.’ The successful surgery not only brought physical relief to Daouda but also renewed hope for his father. When they were finally reunited after the procedure, Hamady’s relief was palpable.
Daouda, grateful for the care he received, personally thanked all the volunteers involved, expressing his desire to return to school. Hamady is determined to support his son’s educational aspirations, encouraging him by saying, ‘Go ahead. It is never too late. You will catch up. Because you are intelligent, you will catch up.’
The impact of Daouda’s transformation goes beyond their immediate community. Hamady hopes that his son’s journey to recovery will inspire others on a national level, stating, ‘Everybody on that road from my village to Dakar knows my child, and everybody’s going to see this and know that he was cured.’
The news of Daouda’s successful surgery brought joy and celebration to their village. Hamady shared their reaction: ‘That day, nobody went to sleep in our house. They were clapping their hands and celebrating.’ Grateful for the transformation, Hamady expressed his heartfelt gratitude: ‘Thank you. I will never forget this. Even if I die today, I will rest in peace. All of my children are in good health.’ The story of Daouda’s resilience and the compassion shown by Mercy Ships will continue to inspire those who face similar challenges, reminding them that hope and healing are possible.