Oliver is a 48-year-old farmer. At just three months old, her father died and culturally, as was the practice then, her mother got married to her uncle, who raised her and her three sisters until they all grew up and got married. She went to school until Primary 7, but could not advance further due to financial challenges. At the age of 17, she got married and had six children. To make ends meet, she and her husband work as farmers, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to earn income for the family. Her favorite meal is potatoes served with beans, a familiar and beloved dish among the Bakiga people of the greater Kigezi region in Southwestern Uganda.
For over five years now, Oliver has been experiencing bleeding, lower abdominal pain, backache, and general body weakness. She first sought treatment at a local health center, where she was given medication, and then referred to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital, for further specialized care. Due to financial constraints, she did not go to the hospital, until one day she lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital.
Upon examination, she was found to be anemic and was given a blood transfusion along with other medications, to which she responded well. Oliver has been diagnosed with post-menopausal bleeding, secondary to a premalignant cervical lesion. Unfortunately, she is unable to raise the money required for the surgery and therefore appeals for your support. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Oliver's surgery. On October 9th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Once recovered, Oliver will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.
Oliver says, “My health has been worrying this year, which has affected me in a way that I no longer attend to my farm. I always feel weak, but I hope with surgery, I will get better and will continue living a healthy and normal life.”