Happy Thanksgiving from FAME!

Sleepy Peter and his mother at FAME

When 4 year old Peter* and his mother woke up on Tuesday morning, it was business as usual. The family had breakfast together, and after, everyone got in the car; Peter’s father to go to work and Peter and his mother to be dropped off first at the local market.

Sadly, it was not the same as every other day. On the way to the market, his father tried overtaking a car and his brakes failed. This led to a head-on collision with an incoming tractor. Peter, who was seated in the front seat on his mother’s lap, was severely injured. His parents escaped with minor injuries. 

Peter was rushed to the nearest local dispensary, and after an hour of waiting, his condition had rapidly deteriorated. They decided to bring him to FAME with the help of their neighbor who owns a car. They drove almost two hours to get to FAME, with remnants of hope dwindling fast. 

Peter arrived at FAME with severe stomach injury, vomiting, loss of consciousness, coupled with bleeding from the ears, nose and mouth. He was in a grave situation. 

He was rushed to FAME’s emergency room, where they diagnosed him with a gastric perforation. He needed surgery immediately. 

He was handed over to FAME’s surgical team and the operation was a success!

After 17 days at FAME, Peter was healthy and ready to go home to be reunited with his brother. “He misses playing with him,” his mother explained. She was ecstatic that her son was well and healthy. She promised to tell her relatives and friends about her experience at FAME, and urge them to visit not only for minor illnesses but also for life threatening ones.

“I am very thankful to FAME for all their help. I was sure my child was going to die. When the doctors told me that Peter needed surgery, I cried very hard. I couldn't make a decision. The doctors and nurses were very kind, they spoke to my husband who was strong enough to say yes to the operation. FAME has saved his life. I will also say that the social worker has advised me about making sure that Peter and his older brother always wear a seatbelt in the car. I did not know how dangerous it could be if they didn't. From the bottom of my heart, thank you FAME.”

This Thanksgiving, we at FAME are thankful for success stories such as Peter’s, and we are grateful to our friends and supporters whose generosity and constant support are the reason we are able to provide quality medical care and emergency response in rural Tanzania. Despite the challenges facing the world today, your support has been unwavering. 

Thanks for always being with us.

Happy Thanksgiving from our FAME Family to Yours!

*While the patient’s name has been changed to protect privacy, permission was secured to share their photo and story with FAME supporters, and to raise awareness of available medical care at FAME Medical.