Harriet is a small scale farmer and a mother of six. Her husband passed away 15 years ago and she lives in a three-room house with her children. Harriet’s firstborn studied up through primary school class six and is now 20 years old and married. Her last born is 13 years old.
One and a half years ago, Harriet began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck and chest pains accompanied by an increasing swelling on her neck. She has never visited any health facility for medical attention due to a lack of funds. She occasionally develops swollen eyes and can no longer carry heavy loads on her head. In addition, Harriet reports that she experiences airway blockage especially when she goes to bed.
She decided to visit Rushoroza Hospital to seek medical attention. She was diagnosed with thyrotoxic goitre and after a review by the surgeon, a thyroidectomy is recommended. She is unable to raise the funds needed and requests assistance. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Harriet receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on October 5th at our medical partner’s care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and she and her family need help raising money.
Harriet says, “I pray that I may be considered for surgery. I hope to live a normal life again and be able to continue with farming comfortably to further develop and sustain my family.”