A journey of hope: Alex's fight against a debilitating facial tumour
In a remarkable story of resilience and hope, a 23-year-old man from Sierra Leone has undergone life-saving surgery after suffering for years from a debilitating facial tumour. Alex, who first noticed the swelling on his jaw as a teenager in 2016, faced not only the physical challenges of his condition but also the emotional toll of relentless mockery and isolation.
As the tumour grew over the years, Alex found it increasingly difficult to eat, speak, and swallow, ultimately rendering him almost completely withdrawn from society. “At first, it was okay, but later, the tumour started to grow again,” Alex reflected from his home in Freetown. “I felt bad because the surgery was not successful. It damaged my face and removed my teeth.”
The initial hope stemming from a surgery at a local hospital soon faded into despair as the tumour re-emerged, compounding the physical and emotional distress already inflicted on Alex and his family.
“The first surgery gave me some hope, but when it started growing back again, I was sad,” added Zainab, Alex’s mother, who supported her son through his struggles. Determined to find a solution, Alex's family sought help through various channels. His older brother Ebenizer tirelessly reached out to politicians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Despite some offers for treatment, such as an opportunity to undergo surgery in Ghana, Alex's lack of a passport thwarted their attempts. “I felt unhappy as my friends laughed at me. I used to run away from them and sit alone in the room,” Alex admitted.
The emotional impact of the growing tumour was profound, leading to infections, tooth loss, and an overwhelming sense of shame. “Alex was always ashamed to be among others,” said Ebenizer. Yet amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope remained. “I had faith in God that one day help would come,” Alex said. This hope was realised when Alex's family learned through a government advertisement that Mercy Ships was returning to Sierra Leone for the first time in over a decade. Excitedly, Alex was assessed and approved for surgery aboard the hospital ship, the Global Mercy.
Dr. Manjit Dhillon, a volunteer maxillofacial surgeon from Scotland's Aberdeen Infirmary, performed the complex surgery in October 2023, which involved the removal of Alex’s entire jaw. “Without surgery, Alex’s condition could have continued to affect basic functions like eating, speaking, swallowing, socialising, and living a normal life. It could also have compromised his breathing,” Dr. Dhillon explained.
Post-surgery, Alex remarked on the profound impact the procedure had on his life.
“I was very happy, especially when people were around me and when they were hugging me,” he shared, reflecting on the warmth and love he finally felt after years of isolation. Upon his return home, the joy was palpable. “I shed tears of joy when I first saw him after his surgery,” recalled Zainab.
“I immediately hugged him and started thanking God for curing my son. The place was crowded with people who were surprised and happy for him.”
In April 2024, Alex returned for a successful second surgery to reconstruct his jaw using bone from his head. With his health restored and confidence blooming, he happily noted, “People were afraid to be close to me, but now, everybody wants to be my friend.”