A father of three can finally sleep comfortably on his back after 15 years, thanks to the removal of a massive tumor weighing 11lbs (5kgs) by the surgical charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org).
Fidisoa, a Malagasy builder and rice farmer, first noticed a small pimple on his back at the age of 38, which eventually grew into a large lump causing him discomfort. The tumor continued to grow, making it painful for him to do manual labor and lay on his back by the age of 53.
Despite undergoing three surgeries in his home country in 2015, 2018, and 2021, the tumor kept regrowing. Fidisoa used all his savings, took on additional work abroad, and eventually found hope through Mercy Ships, which offered free surgeries on their hospital ship, the Africa Mercy®.
After a successful surgery conducted by Dr. Tertius Venter, Fidisoa was finally free from the tumor that had plagued him for years. With a new lease on life, he looks forward to returning to work on his farm and pursuing his dreams.
For more information on Mercy Ships, please contact Sophie Barnett, Mercy Ships International PR Manager at sophie.barnett@mercyships.org.
About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships to provide free surgeries and healthcare services to underserved populations. Their mission focuses on partnering with African nations to improve healthcare access, train local professionals, and support medical infrastructure development. To learn more, visit www.MercyShips.org.