It’s a story that will break your heart and lift your spirits all at the same time. A little boy living in a poor village in Africa is in a race against a tumor, and time. Discovered by members of Medical Missions Foundation, who against great odds, do their best to not only to ensure he lives but also that he enjoys a normal boy's life.
As far as little boys go, this 7 year old from Africa is pretty typical. His name is Boi. And oddly enough, the horrible tumor everyone sees right away, he doesn't seem to notice. He loves kids and any toy with wheels. He is playful and very polite. But Boi's dad knows that unless something is done, and soon, the tumor will claim this bright little boy's life.
"Boi, he is not afraid, he plays with the kids. His life really hasn't changed. But for the parents who carry the burden, for them, it's been difficult," said Boi’s father, Zina Dounbia, with the help of an interpreter.
From Bug Bite to Heartbreak
Their burden began three years ago when Boi was four. His parents noticed a lump on his face.
"They thought a bug had bitten him on the cheek, the father’s interpreter.
What they thought was a bite turned out to be a benign, slow growing tumor, mostly made of bone. Boi's parents spent all their money in a desperate search but couldn't find anyone to treat it.
"They were convinced there would never be a way to help him,” the interpreter explained.
And the tumor just kept growing, doubling in size, consuming his teeth, and dislocating his jaw. Boi was within weeks of losing his ability to eat or breathe.
"There was heartbreak, there were tears,” said Zina.
Hope from the Heartland
But just when it seemed hope was lost, Boi's parents heard about Kansas City medical volunteers working in a nearby village. Dr. Tammy Neblock and Abigail Hayo saw Boi and were stunned.
"We had the same reaction. You look at him and fall in love with him and we said we have to help him," said Dr. Neblock.
In a few short weeks Boi was out of Africa and in the middle of a team of doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital. They examined Boi from all angles, took dozens of pictures and poured over CT scans.
"This bone has expanded up into his eye-socket," Dr. David Kriet explained while reviewing Boi’s CT scans. The KU team agreed to operate. But it wasn't going to be easy. "This is about as hard as it gets," Dr. Kriet commented.
