This September, A-BE-C returned to Uganda for our 6th annual surgical workshop, continuing our partnership with EMERGENCY Children’s Hospital in Entebbe and expanding access to care for families across East Africa.
Over the course of the week, our international volunteers worked alongside Ugandan colleagues to provide six major surgeries, multiple diagnostic tests, and care for more than 100 children and families in clinic, while also training and mentoring the local medical team to strengthen ongoing, in-country care. Some patients returned for follow-up visits, while others were seen for the first time.
What stood out most this year was not only the expert surgical care—led by some of the most experienced exstrophy surgeons in the world—but the growing sense of continuity and community. Families traveled long distances from across East Africa, often facing significant logistical challenges simply to reach care. For many, this was the first time they had ever met another family living with bladder exstrophy.
Beyond the operating room and clinic, families came together for a Family Education and Community Day, sharing meals, music, and practical knowledge. Parents spoke openly. Children played freely, and questions that had gone unasked for years finally had space to be heard.
Through our partnership with EMERGENCY and the commitment of an all-volunteer team of surgeons, nurses, social workers, and patient advocates life-changing care was provided at no cost to families. For many, however, extended hospital stays, transportation, and time away from work remained significant challenges long after the workshop ended.
As we close the year, the impact of this work continues well beyond a single week. Children are healing. Families remain connected. Local partnerships are strengthening.
This is what progress looks like not just in numbers, but in access, trust, and hope.