Rovence is a 45 year old single mother in southwestern Uganda. She has two sons and two daughters. Her elder son recently joined the army, while the other is currently pursuing his studies. Her two daughters are still in secondary school.
Rovence separated from her husband when he married another wife. After the separation, Rovence, who had dropped out of school after 7th grade, enrolled in a hairdressing school. After completing her training, she established a small ladies' hairdressing salon. She earns a living to support her family, pay rent, school fees, and provide basic needs. Rovence resides in a two-room rental permanent house with her son and two daughters. She is the sole provider for the family, receiving no support from her husband.
Seven years ago, Rovence began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck swelling. Initially non-painful, the swelling started causing shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, pain on swallowing, profuse swelling, and high blood pressure. Due to limited finances, she has resorted to traditional means such as cuts and herbs, but these have proven ineffective.
After meeting someone who had a successful surgery at Nyakibale Hospital, Rovence sought medical attention there too. She arrived hopeful and was screened, examined, and diagnosed with nodular goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rovence receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 12th at Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money.
Rovence says, “My entire family depends on me, I have no other support yet. I am in ill health. I trust that if am supported, I will get better and resume with hair dressing to take care of my family."