Komugisha is a 46-year-old, married mother of eight from Uganda. Her husband is a farmer, and her children are still in school.
For the past 15 years, Komugisha has had a steadily enlarging mass on the right side of her neck. When she initially sought out treatment, she was advised that the mass was not yet ready to be removed. Upon returning for a follow-up evaluation, she was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland, and recommended to undergo surgery. Without treatment, the goiter may continue to grow and could cause difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $240 to fund a thyroidectomy for Komugisha. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 29 and, once completed, will hopefully improve Komugisha's quality of life and allow her to tend to her children free from the worry and discomfort related to her condition.
“I will be glad for the surgery when done because it has affected my peace of mind and I hope to continue working for my family through digging," says Komugisha.