Abdulrahman Kamara grew up in the coastal fishing village of Tombo, Sierra Leone. His father worked as a fisherman, and his mother a fish trader. As a young boy, Abdulrahman’s father passed away at sea. With no fish to sell, Abdulrahman and his mother were left in dire poverty.

After overcoming years of economic and emotional tragedy from losing his father, Abdulrahman was forced to face the devastating ebola virus. The village of Tombo became a hot spot for ebola and in May 2015, Abdulrahman’s mother made the decision to send him to his aunt’s house in Waterloo in an effort to protect him from the outbreak. His mother was forced to stay in the village and the two were separated.

While staying at his aunt’s, Abdulrahman received news that his mother’s house in Tombo had been quarantined. His mother had fallen ill and was transported to the Ebola Virus Clinic in Kerry Town, Sierra Leone. She was declared ebola positive.

Abdulrahman never saw his mother again and at the age of fourteen, he became an orphan.

After losing his mother, a fire grew within Abdulrahman. He has become an excellent student and has demonstrated a deep passion for science and medicine. One day, Abdulrahman hopes to become a doctor, so he can save people who are diagnosed with terrible diseases.