“I hope this swelling can be removed,” says 70-year-old Kabatabazi.
Since her husband passed away, Kabatabazi has lived in a small house close to her son’s home in Uganda. While she used to earn her living as a small-scale farmer, Kabatabazi is currently unable to do this work—or even basic housework—due to a medical ailment.
Three years ago, Kabatabazi started feeling pain in her left gluteus. A year and a half later, she developed a swelling in the same area. Although Kabatabazi visited a local hospital three times, she was repeatedly told the swelling would go away by itself. But on the contrary, the discomfort has subsequently become so intense that she is now unable to sleep on her left side.
When Kabatabazi finally came to our medical partner’s care center, Virika Hospital, her lump was diagnosed as a lipoma, or non-cancerous growth. If not treated, the lipoma may continue to increase in size and to cause her pain.
But we can ease Kabatabazi’s pain by sponsoring her surgery, set to take place on May 17. The cost of the procedure, as well as her medication and three-day hospital stay, will come to $196 total.
After her surgery, Kabatabazi hopes to have her peace of mind restored, and to be able to do simple chores around her home once more.