Struggling with a cyst and unable to afford medical care, patient finds hope and healing.
Sylvia Annick Ravaonirina had been suffering from a painful cyst for long time. Every movement sent searing pain through her body; doing daily tasks and work started to be difficult for her. The high cost of medical care in the bustling capital city of Antananarivo left her with little hope for relief.
In her search for affordable treatment, she was told about Good News Hospital in Mandritsara by Rarisoa Saholinandrianina Raherimalala. Saholy, as she is known, is the director of Nehemia Madagasikara, one of MAF’s partners in the capital.
The cost of the surgery in the capital city is almost the same as going to the Good News Hospital in Mandritsara, but seeking treatment from the experienced staff in the hospital in Mandritsara seemed to be the better option. So, the Christian aid organisation Nehemia Madagasikara decided to send her to Mandritsara.
“The hospital in Mandritsara is good, and we have worked with them several times,” Saholy said.
This hospital seemed like a beacon of hope. However, reaching it would require a gruelling two-to-three-day journey on rough roads, not a good combination given her condition.
The hospital in Mandritsara is good, and we have worked with them several times
MAF arranged a flight to the Good News Hospital in Mandritsara. This swift decision made it possible for Sylvia to be there in just one hour and 20 minutes instead of two or three days by road. The journey would have been difficult because the surface is not good and staying seated in a tight space for an 890km ride would make her pain greater.
“Serving and helping Malagasy people like Sylvia is always a privilege,” MAF pilot Patrick Keller said. “Seeing her receive a professional medical care she otherwise might not have received.”
Upon her arrival, Sylvia was well received by the team and was settled into a house where she could prepare for her surgery and rest for a few days after the procedure.
Serving and helping Malagasy people like Sylvia is always a privilege
“I feel relieved, and I am happy to know that my cyst is gone," she said. The pain began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of relief.
About three weeks after her surgery, Sylvia was ready to return to Antananarivo. She flew back with MAF in Madagascar, carrying with her not only the physical scars of her ordeal but also a profound gratitude towards all the people who contributed.
“A few weeks upon my return to Antananarivo, I am now able to do some of the regular household chores and I even began crafting raffia bags again, which I sell to earn a living,” Sylvia said.
Sylvia’s journey from pain to hope was made possible by the collective effort of Nehemia Madagasikara, MAF in Madagascar, and the dedicated team at the Good News Hospital in Mandritsara, showcasing the importance of Partnership which is one of MAF values.
“I never imagined myself in a plane, but I flew when I needed it the most,” she added.
I never imagined myself in a plane, but I flew when I needed it the most