Imagine traveling over 68 kilometers —through winding roads, under the blazing sun, and past endless fields—all to give your child a better life. For Apio Sarah, a devoted mother of five from Oyam district, Adyegi parish, Te Rao village, this was not just a journey of distance but hope, courage, and love. Her destination? St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where a life-changing surgical camp organized by Surgery for Children would restore her youngest daughter’s future.
Meet Twinkle (name changed for privacy and being a minor), a bright-eyed three-year-old whose life has been marked by both struggle and strength. Born with anorectal malformations (ARM), a congenital condition that affects the digestive system, Twinkle’s health challenges left her family and community searching for answers.
For Sarah, who had successfully raised four healthy children before Twinkle, this was an unexpected and overwhelming hurdle. But what exactly causes anorectal malformations? Dr. David Nyeko, a general surgeon at Lacor Hospital, explains:
“Anorectal malformations occur during the early stages of fetal development, typically between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy. During this critical period, the rectum and anus fail to form properly, leading to a range of abnormalities. While the exact cause is often unknown, factors such as genetic mutations, environmental influences, and possibly maternal health conditions can play a role. These malformations can vary in severity, from mild cases that require minor surgical correction to complex cases that need multiple procedures and long-term care”
Dr. Nyeko adds, “Anorectal malformations are rare, occurring in an estimated 1 in 4,000 live births. While the condition is not common, its impact on affected children and their families is immense, especially in resource-limited settings where access to specialized care is often out of reach.”
This statistic highlights the importance of initiatives like the surgical camp at Lacor Hospital, which provide life-saving care to children who might otherwise go untreated. For Sarah, the journey to Lacor Hospital was a leap of faith, but one she knew she had to take for her daughter’s future.
Twinkle after surgery
In May 2022, Sarah took her first step toward finding help at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where Twinkle underwent a colostomy procedure to aid her in passing stool. While the surgery provided temporary relief, Twinkle needed a follow-up procedure the following year.
Unfortunately, the high costs of transportation and medical care made it impossible for Sarah to return. For months, Twinkle relied on the colostomy, and her dreams of starting school were delayed as she required constant assistance with her daily needs. But fate had other plans. When Sarah heard a radio announcement about the free surgical camp at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, she knew this was the miracle she had been praying for. Without a second thought, she and Twinkle embarked on the 42-mile journey to Gulu City—a place they had never been before. The trip was filled with a mix of emotions: relief, anticipation, and nervousness. Yet, Sarah held onto the hope that this journey would change their lives forever.
On February 15th, one day before the official start of the surgical camp, Sarah and Twinkle arrived at Lacor Hospital. The team of doctors, nurses, and support staff welcomed them with open arms, ready to provide the life-changing care Twinkle needed. The procedure was a success, and for the first time in years, Sarah felt a wave of relief wash over her. “The journey was long, but I am now happy. My family and I will forever be grateful to the doctors, nurses, and the team working on our children for free. God bless the hospital,” Sarah shared, her voice filled with gratitude.
Today, Twinkle’s future is brighter than ever. Once limited by her condition, she is now ready to embrace her full potential. Sarah is optimistic that her daughter will soon start school, make friends, and live the life every child deserves. This story is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact of ‘Surgery for Children’ and St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor. Their dedication to serving humanity, especially in underserved communities, is transforming lives one child at a time. For families like Sarah’s, they are not just medical professionals—they are heroes, restoring hope and dignity to lives once overshadowed by congenital disorders.
To the teams from ‘Surgery for Children’ and Lacor Hospital, we say thank you. Your work is just that one twinkle of light hope, reminding us all of the power of compassion, dedication, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Twinkle’s journey is just beginning, and her story is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together to serve humanity. Let’s continue to support and celebrate these life-changing initiatives, for they are the foundation of a brighter, healthier future for all.
