Ann is a 54-year-old farmer from Kenya. She and her husband have nine children. Her mother also lives with the family. Ann farms maize and beans, while her husband drives the local school bus. Their combined income has allowed their two eldest sons to attend college.
Since 2001, Ann has been experiencing pains and elevated pressure in her chest. When she originally visited the hospital, she was advised to undergo surgery, but she opted for traditional medicines instead.
Her condition did not improve with the traditional healing. Her daily activities have become increasingly more difficult, and even her speech has been affected. Ann’s daughter-in-law finally encouraged her to seek medical attention. She came to the AIC Kapsowar Hospital, our medical partner’s care center, where she was formally diagnosed with symptomatic hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate the body’s metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and irritability.
Physicians have recommended a thyroidectomy, in which part or all of Ann’s thyroid will be removed. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $641 to fund her procedure on April 13.
Ann is part of her local choir and hopes that the surgery will allow her to once again sing with her community. She says, “I wish my speech becomes normal. I really like singing. I also want my children to stop worrying about my health.”
