My name is Luis Gadiel Similoj Lorenzo. I am 19 years old. I live in San Martín Jilotepeque, in Barrio El Guite. 

Since a long time ago, when I was 5 years old, my mother noticed I had a small ball in one of my testicles. My mother asked what it was and she was told it was something normal. Over time it was growing without my mom knowing it was a hernia.

My mother took me to the national hospital many times to be checked but she was always told it was not something to worry about or that could affect me in puberty.  After some time, I was having pain and the ball was growing. The doctors said that I was only going to have a surgery when it would get serious, or when I would get a fever or would be throwing up, then my mother would have to take me to the hospital to have the surgery.

I could not have the surgery at a private hospital because I didn’t have the economic resources. For me it was very expensive.

I am very grateful to God and very happy to have had the surgery in a private clinic.  I could not imagine that this could have happened and all the despair and anguish I had are over.

For me it was very important to have the surgery. I feared that something could happen to me at work or that I could have a reaction during puberty.

My heart is grateful to God and you for making possible this surgery that has changed my life.  I pray to God to give you health, life and many blessings for you.

Thank you for the privilege you gave me to have the surgery.  May God pay you back for your help.

My family and I appreciate that you made my surgery possible. May God continue to bless you and a big hug.

Luis Gadiel Similoj Lorenzo