Rib surgery to sustain orphanage

My friend Kabagambe (a.k.a. Mark) Smith in Uganda urgently needs rib surgery to repair an injury sustained when he was beaten by thieves. The broken rib threatens to damage his heart, and with so many children relying on him, saving his life will sustain many others as well.

From Kabagambe, "My Story" 

In 2017, while working as a medical consultant for a charity organization in Uganda, I developed a passion for helping those in need. Having grown up in poverty, I understood the challenges they faced. I decided to take in two children and care for them at my home.

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization closed, and I took in 13 more children. Since then, we've welcomed additional orphaned children from the streets. Currently, we're caring for 27 children, alongside our three biological children, making a total of 30.

With the help of friends, we've managed to send them to school and register an organization, PESH Kids International Foundation (PKIF). Our mission is encapsulated in our motto: "Protect, Educate, Save/Serve, and Heal." We've registered 109 orphans, but due to limited resources, we're only able to care for 27.

Recently, I took on a part-time job to meet the growing needs at home. However, on my way home from work, I was attacked and strangled by thieves, leaving me with a broken rib and dislocated knee. I've been nursing these injuries for a month, and the pain has been unbearable.

My doctors have advised me to undergo surgery to remove and replace the fractured rib. They're concerned that if left untreated, the fractured rib could damage my heart. The bill is $11,000 , which we're struggling to raise before the scheduled surgery date. Other expenses include painkiller injections in the meantime, and post-surgical recovery costs.

I'm counting on your prayers and support during this challenging time.

__________

From Ryan: As the organizer of this fundraiser, I will collect the funds, and pay the cost of the surgery directly to the hospital. Additional funds for other expenses will be provided to Kabagambe as receipts are provided to verify their use for medical purposes. I have reviewed medical documentation from the hospital and he has authorized me to share these with individuals who request them for further verification. I have known Mark since 2021 and can personally speak to his integrity, his passion for assisting these children, the sacrifices he and his wife have made, and his responsibility in always providing receipts for charitable donations supporting the orphanage in the past.