Story of Harimalala
At 12 years old, Harimalala’s life takes a dramatic turn. What seemed like a simple sore throat turns out to be much more serious: a goiter begins to grow on her neck.
Originally from a small town in southern Madagascar, Harimalala began to see her health deteriorate in adolescence because of the mass that kept growing relentlessly, eventually hindering even her simplest movements. Daily life became very difficult: “I couldn’t fetch water or carry heavy objects. I couldn’t bend down or run,” she recalls. A year later, the stares and mockery from others became unbearable, leading her to leave school.
When the volunteers from the Africa Mercy met her, they realized that waiting four months – the planned delay before the start of the thyroid removal program – was too risky. Harimalala was admitted immediately.
Dr. Collins, an Australian surgeon, regularly donates several weeks of his time to operate on patients like her. He has been leading the Mercy Ships thyroid surgery program for 17 years and had planned to join the Africa Mercy in a few months. “I received emails informing me about this patient’s case,” Dr. Collins explains. He describes her condition as “a typical but massive multinodular goiter. It tends to compress the airways, making breathing, speaking, and physical activity very difficult. It can also make swallowing food challenging.” He warns, “these problems worsen until they reach a critical stage, which I believe was about to happen for her.”
While waiting for Dr. Collins’ arrival, a wave of solidarity has formed around Harimalala: several nurses accompany her every day in the hope of a positive outcome. The wait is long, however, as she watches many patients come and go around her.
Dr. Collins finally arrives on board and examines her: “These very large goiters present certain challenges because they bleed a lot.” After four hours of surgery, Harimalala is finally rid of the 1.35 kg mass. “I feel like I’m starting a new life. Before, I didn’t know if I was going to die soon. Now, I’ll be able to get married and have children, because my goiter is gone!” she exclaims, smiling.
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Story of Harimalala
At the age of 12, Harimalala’s life changes suddenly. What seemed like a simple sore throat turns out to be far more serious: a goiter begins to grow on her neck.
An operation on board the Africa Mercy frees her from this mass.
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