The story below was written by Boi on April 16, 2021, the 13th anniversary of his surgery to remove his tumor.
It’s been 13 years since I had my tumor removed at the University of Kansas Medical Center. It was a long journey. When I was living in the Village with the tumor, it didn’t hurt but it made me sad. People were not nice to me and it was very hard on my family. My friend’s parents would not let me play with their kids. I just wanted to run and roll tires with my friends. It was a very lonely time because all the kids were scared of my tumor and also their parents, they thought I was cursed and they thought I would give a tumor to their children. At the time the mothers cooked for the entire compound in the Village, when it was my mom’s turn, she would cook the food and deliver to the Villagers but when she would come back to get the pots, they would still be full. They would not eat the food she prepared. No one would accept anything from my family. Even when my mom went to the river to wash our clothes, all the ladies there would leave.
I don’t remember much about the surgery, but I do remember Dr. Girod, Dr. Larson and all of their team. Many are still my good friends today. I am grateful for all the doctors and the community that helped raise money to pay for the surgery, they saved my life and most importantly thanks to @Abigail and @Tammy, without them this would not have happened. I would not have been able to come to America to get my surgery.
So now, 13 years later, everyone thinks I am a miracle. In the Village, those who thought it was a curse and almost cast us out of their lives, now thanks to God, they have returned. So much has changed. Now in the Village, everyone loves me and my family – my mom, dad, brothers and sister, everyone. We also have a new school. Kids are getting educated, and fed every day. And so much more. Funny thing, none of this would have happened without my tumor. SO I guess I am thankful for the tumor, but happy that it is gone.
Who would have thought? Now I am a junior at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City. I have my friends and family in the Village but now I have a whole new village of friends and family in Kansas City. Thank you everyone who has helped and supported me on this part of my journey.
In Elizabeth’s news story, she said that she thought I’d rather go back to Mali than get the shot. I am really glad that I didn’t go home, but I am still very scared of needles…
~ Boi
