In 2017 I travelled to Tanzania and met Elizabeth, a 17 year-old native, born with acute Exomphalos. This means that she came into this world with a hole in her stomach. Typically, western countries will operate on this condition immediately, with a high success rate. Unfortunately circumstances for Elizabeth meant her condition was left unoperated so she has been living with delibatating health problems, a hernia and severe abdominal scarring for 17 years.

Elizabeth is a bright, intelligent and confident girl who deserves to live her life to the fullest and be given a chance to access medical help which we take for granted. Her attitude and positivity is contagious and speaking with her left me determined to do what I can to help.

Since I returned from the trip in October I have started researching this condition and have been speaking to surgeons and GPs in the UK. Figuring out how to get this operation done in Africa or the UK will not be straightforward, but I have made progress and have been collecting names of surgeons who can advise me.

The total I need to raise will pay for scans, consultations, the operation itself and if necessary flights to towns or cities better equipped to help Elizabeth. Now we just need your help to achieve this target, so please share this link, give generously and research Exomphalos to find out more if you so wish.

Thank you,

Fahimeh xxx

Pictured below, Elizabeth in 2017.