Jean Loko began developing a lipoma on his back in 1992 after he was caught in a battle between government and opposition forces in Benin and was beaten on the back with a rifle. The tissue damage resulted in a swelling which continued to grow over the course of 18 years into a 7 kg lipoma which limited his range of movement and ability to work as a tailor and he abandoned his business.
Jean also had to battle the cultural aversion to deformities, which are often viewed as a curse. The father of seven, Jean was rejected by his two oldest sons because of the growth. He had sought treatment at the local hospital where doctors told him they were unable to help him with his problem. He heard about the Mercy Ships surgical screening on the radio. Although he was a bit fearful that he would meet disappointment again, he went to the screening anyway.
“But I was chosen!” he said with a combination of surprise, disbelief and elation. After removal of the lipoma on the
Africa Mercy Jean stayed at the Hope Center and returned daily for several months to the post-operative department for wound care. On one such visit, nurses thanked Jean for his patience with the wound healing process to which he replied through a translator “I have new life.”
The volunteer surgeon aboard the Africa Mercy successfully removed the lipoma that had caused him so much misery. When asked about his experience, his usual serious expression turns to a brilliant smile. “I just thank Mercy Ships for what they have done for me. They gave me my life back.”
Jean also had to battle the cultural aversion to deformities, which are often viewed as a curse. The father of seven, Jean was rejected by his two oldest sons because of the growth. He had sought treatment at the local hospital where doctors told him they were unable to help him with his problem. He heard about the Mercy Ships surgical screening on the radio. Although he was a bit fearful that he would meet disappointment again, he went to the screening anyway.
“But I was chosen!” he said with a combination of surprise, disbelief and elation. After removal of the lipoma on the Africa Mercy Jean stayed at the Hope Center and returned daily for several months to the post-operative department for wound care. On one such visit, nurses thanked Jean for his patience with the wound healing process to which he replied through a translator “I have new life.”
The volunteer surgeon aboard the Africa Mercy successfully removed the lipoma that had caused him so much misery. When asked about his experience, his usual serious expression turns to a brilliant smile. “I just thank Mercy Ships for what they have done for me. They gave me my life back.”
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