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John Lomala has overcome many obstacles in his life, but his diagnosis of end stage renal failure is a major challenge. John is in dire need of a kidney transplant. His older brother is thankfully a proven match. We need to raise $33,000 to pay for the operation at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, plane fare and a month of lodging in India. This operation is not possible in Ethiopia, but we have calculated the exact costs provided by a reputable international medical agency that facilitates the entire travel and operation process.
For the last two months John has been in Addis Ababa receiving dialysis three times a week at the Tom Advanced Renal Care Center. He is residing in a guest house and his cousin Meskerem has been cooking for him. John's father sold five cows for $1,000 to pay for treatment.
John Lomala is a member of the Dassanach tribe who resides in the arid and harsh far south of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. He was raised in a village named Goto. John was told that he was born in a year that it rained often, and estimates his age as being 28. Calendars do not exist in his culure. Time is determined by movement of the sun. In this rural un- electrified village homes are made out of straw, tree branches and tin sheets. Water is carried in by women in large yellow jerry cans twice a day. The Dassanach are pastoralists. They raise goats and cattle. No schools, no medical services, no sanitation, no electricity but a shared commitment by the Dassanach tribe to look after one another. Malaria and extreme heat in this desert - like environment make daily existence challenging.
John's father has eleven children, two wives and many cattle. With that many children to help with the herd his father selected him to be the first in the family to be educated. He was told by his father, "do your schoolwork well or you will be back here herding the goats." So, at the age of six he was sent to the largest city, Omorate, to begin his studies. His ability to master English was noted by his teacher. By the time he was ten years old, whenever a translator was needed John was beckoned. He went on to finish twelve years of schooling. His math, English and social skills propelled him to the top of the class.
A newly constructed bridge crossing the Omo River heralded the opening of the area to tourism. John, with his fluency in English, local knowledge, mastery of the geography, history and customs of the area became the local guide of choice. His enthusiasm and understanding of the tourism industry enamored him to his guests. When foreign photographers, journalists, adventure travelers came to visit the Dassanach tribe, they all asked for John. Soon enough John was leading individuals and groups on week long trips throughout the entire Omo Valley region. John Lomala has been a professional tour guide for ten years.
He loves what he does, tourism is his passion. He is known as a can -do guy, always willing to help. When on tour with John he is always asking questions about life outside of Ethiopia. He is most proud of being actor Morgan Freeman's guide while filming The Story Of Us in 2017, being the translator and guide on a documentary produced by Vice TV, guiding photographer Joey L while shooting images for a book.
In 2020 the Dasanach area was flooded and malaria and cholera spiked. John spearheaded a relief effort for his people. He organized a medical team to come in, purchased clean water, tarps, malaria nets and medicine. He is a liaison with the international community.
He desperately needs a kidney to stay alive and return to the life he loves. Now is the time to help our big hearted guide John who has always been there for the travel community!
Please share this Go Fund Me appeal with friends, family, community and on social media
" It's a matter of life and death: Omo Valley guide John Lomala needs a kidney, please help before it's too late"
For the last two months John has been in Addis Ababa receiving dialysis three times a week at the Tom Advanced Renal Care Center. He is residing in a guest house and his cousin Meskerem has been cooking for him. John's father sold five cows for $1,000 to pay for treatment.
John Lomala is a member of the Dassanach tribe who resides in the arid and harsh far south of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. He was raised in a village named Goto. John was told that he was born in a year that it rained often, and estimates his age as being 28. Calendars do not exist in his culure. Time is determined by movement of the sun. In this rural un- electrified village homes are made out of straw, tree branches and tin sheets. Water is carried in by women in large yellow jerry cans twice a day. The Dassanach are pastoralists. They raise goats and cattle. No schools, no medical services, no sanitation, no electricity but a shared commitment by the Dassanach tribe to look after one another. Malaria and extreme heat in this desert - like environment make daily existence challenging.
John's father has eleven children, two wives and many cattle. With that many children to help with the herd his father selected him to be the first in the family to be educated. He was told by his father, "do your schoolwork well or you will be back here herding the goats." So, at the age of six he was sent to the largest city, Omorate, to begin his studies. His ability to master English was noted by his teacher. By the time he was ten years old, whenever a translator was needed John was beckoned. He went on to finish twelve years of schooling. His math, English and social skills propelled him to the top of the class.
A newly constructed bridge crossing the Omo River heralded the opening of the area to tourism. John, with his fluency in English, local knowledge, mastery of the geography, history and customs of the area became the local guide of choice. His enthusiasm and understanding of the tourism industry enamored him to his guests. When foreign photographers, journalists, adventure travelers came to visit the Dassanach tribe, they all asked for John. Soon enough John was leading individuals and groups on week long trips throughout the entire Omo Valley region. John Lomala has been a professional tour guide for ten years.
He loves what he does, tourism is his passion. He is known as a can -do guy, always willing to help. When on tour with John he is always asking questions about life outside of Ethiopia. He is most proud of being actor Morgan Freeman's guide while filming The Story Of Us in 2017, being the translator and guide on a documentary produced by Vice TV, guiding photographer Joey L while shooting images for a book.
In 2020 the Dasanach area was flooded and malaria and cholera spiked. John spearheaded a relief effort for his people. He organized a medical team to come in, purchased clean water, tarps, malaria nets and medicine. He is a liaison with the international community.
He desperately needs a kidney to stay alive and return to the life he loves. Now is the time to help our big hearted guide John who has always been there for the travel community!
Please share this Go Fund Me appeal with friends, family, community and on social media
" It's a matter of life and death: Omo Valley guide John Lomala needs a kidney, please help before it's too late"