Meet Lulu, a quiet, teenage girl from Tanzania. The 16-year-old has been living with her grandparents since infancy, but her aunt also plays an active role in her life.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us “Lulu has been noticing the size of her left breast increasing more than her right breast. She also feels there is a lump which is increasing in size and she sometimes feels pain.”
AMHF will remove the lump through mass excision surgery. After the lump is removed, “biopsy results will determine whether further treatment will be needed or Lulu will be out of danger of developing cancerous lump.”
The total cost of treatment is $920. For this amount, Lulu will receive the procedure, pain management in the hospital during her six day stay, and diagnostic testing. She will also be able to recuperate at a physical rehabilitation center post-surgery.
Lulu's family does not make enough money to cover the cost of her surgery. Lulu has already had to pause her education because of finances, and the cost of treatment is too great of a financial burden for her grandparents.
“When I get well, I wish to get an opportunity to go back to school,” shares Lulu. Before leaving school, she developed a passion for drawing. “I am very interested in fashion design,” she adds.