SENEGAL — When Cire was just 16, a tumor started growing on the right side of his face. It was a devastating development for his family, who had already paid all they could afford for surgery to remove a similar tumor years earlier. Now, with no funds left, all they could do was wait — and hope for a miracle.

Four years later, on the morning of his 20th birthday, Cire received a very special gift — right in the hospital of the Africa Mercy in Senegal

Amadou Ba – Cire’s Uncles: “He is naturally shy. He doesn’t talk a lot.”

When Cire was just 13 years old, a tumor was growing on his face.

Amadou: “The tumor made the whole family upset.”

With the help of entire community, Cire’s family raised enough money for surgery, but three years later another tumor began to grow.

Cire: “Our family isn’t wealthy and after spending so much money having the tumor return was devastating.”

Cire’s family asked everyone that they knew for help but couldn’t raise enough money for a second surgery.

Cire: “When I was out in public, people stared at me. It was humiliating to be liked at like that.”

After hearing about the arrival of a hospital ship, Cire made the seven hour journey across Senegal hoping for a miracle.

It is a ship of help we call it in Pulaar.

Miriam – Ward Nurse: “We had a patient come in yesterday. It was his birthday we learned. So, we’ve decorated his room a little bit with some balloons and signs. It’s a little belated birthday surprise.”

Amadou: “We have no doubt about Cire’s future. He is strong. He has more hope and he has more courage to try things.”

Cire: “Now I will study and see what God has planned for me.”

Amadou: “Cire represents today for us a hope, a hope of our youth. So we thank God for that.”

And Mercy Ships continues to give hope and healing to many more people like Cire through their free medical ministry throughout Senegal and beyond.

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building, and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at more than $1.7 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people. Our ships are crewed by volunteers from over 60 nations, with an average of over 1,200 volunteers each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills. With 16 national offices and an Africa Bureau, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.

CONTACT: Diane Rickard, Int’l Media Relations Manager, Mercy Ships, Diane.rickard@mercyships.org

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