Emmanuel Johnson Jr., a boy from the West African country of Liberia, travelled to Minnesota for an operation to give him a new anus. He was helped by Ajenia Enterprises, a non-profit organisation.

Around 3,000-4,000 babies are born with an imperforated anus. Before the operation, Emmanuel had to constantly wear a colostomy. The surgeon, Dr. Daniel Saltzman said, "Right now, after we rebuild the rectum and the anus, and have everything, we want it to heal for a period of six weeks and then what I'll do is I'll take down the colostomy that he has."

Emmanuel's mother, Lorpu Vorkpur said, "I don't even know what to say today. Most of the time I tell them, I don't have anything to give you people, but I'm grateful to you people for what you did for me."

Emmanuel and his mother plan to return to Liberia in January.

c.f.
http://wcco.com/local/liberia.surgery.minnesota.2.392520.html