African girl, 12, has FOOTBALL-sized tumour removed

A 12-year-old girl can finally smile and eat properly after surgeons removed the football-sized tumour engulfing her face that was killing her.

Known only as Kaltoumi, she was given three months to live as the mass restricted her eating and slowly suffocated her as it grew over five years.

But she was saved after medics aboard the Africa Mercy – a hospital ship providing care to third world countries – docked in Cameroon to perform surgery.

Kaltoumi – who can finally smile and eat properly for the first time in five years – said after the surgery: ‘It feels like a heaviness has been lifted from me.’

Known only as Kaltoumi, she was given three months to live as the mass restricted her eating and slowly suffocated her as it grew over five years

Dr Gary Parker, chief medical officer of the charity, described Kaltoumi as the ‘poster child’ for five billion people unable to access ‘timely, affordable, safe surgery’ in impoverished countries on the continent.

He added: ‘Because of lack of access to the care she needed, a 12-year-old girl ended up with a massive tumour threatening her life.

‘A man becomes a creature of his uniform.

‘The “uniform” that’s put on someone like Kaltoumi, as this tumour relentlessly enlarges, is that you’re cursed.’ 

The Cameroonian government flew Kaltoumi to the port where the Africa docked – and the surgical team worked tirelessly – with precision – to remove the tumour.

Kaltoumi saw her new face in the mirror the next day.

But she was saved after surgeons aboard the Africa Mercy - a hospital ship providing care to third world countries - docked in Cameroon to perform surgery

But she was saved after surgeons aboard the Africa Mercy – a hospital ship providing care to third world countries – docked in Cameroon to perform surgery

Kaltoumi - who can finally smile and eat properly for the first time in five years - said after the surgery: 'It feels like a heaviness has been lifted from me'

Kaltoumi – who can finally smile and eat properly for the first time in five years – said after the surgery: ‘It feels like a heaviness has been lifted from me’

But the road to recovery was long and she returned to the ship several months later to tighten the skin where the tumour sat.

Crew rallied around Kaltoumi, showering her with affection and friendship.

She formed a sisterly bond with volunteer Carys Parker, a chaplain on-board.

Ms Parker said: ‘When I first met her, she was reserved and tentative to try new games and activities with me.

‘But within a matter of weeks I found it impossible to see Kaltoumi without hearing her laughter and being body slammed by one of her hugs.

‘She loves life and she wants to share that love and joy with others. It truly does take a village to bring about such amazing change.’

Kaltoumi dreams of returning to school and finishing her education. She also wants to expand her family’s farm and help sell produce at the local market.

‘She has the potential to be a world-changer because she has the determination to never give up,’ said Dr Parker.

Her biggest dream is to one day be able to marry and have a family of her own – a future that feels possible without the weight of a life-threatening tumour. 

Crew rallied around Kaltoumi, showering her with affection and friendship. She formed a sisterly bond with volunteer Carys Parker (pictured), a chaplain on-board

Crew rallied around Kaltoumi, showering her with affection and friendship. She formed a sisterly bond with volunteer Carys Parker (pictured), a chaplain on-board

Ms Parker said: 'When I first met her, she was reserved and tentative to try new games and activities with me'

Ms Parker said: ‘When I first met her, she was reserved and tentative to try new games and activities with me’



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