Susan, who is 25 years old, is a mother of two, living in Uganda. Being trustworthy, outgoing, and friendly, she spent her school vacations working at a local salon. Her dedication and willingness to learn impressed the salon owner, who took a personal interest in mentoring her in hairdressing. She quickly mastered the skill, and what began as a cleaning job eventually led to her being employed as a hairdresser.
Unfortunately, during her second pregnancy, Susan’s health declined, making it difficult for her to perform effectively at work, and she was forced to take a break. By the time she had delivered her baby and recovered, her position had already been filled, leaving her with no option but to stay at home and care for her family. Her husband works as a boda boda motorcycle taxi driver, but the family’s financial situation remains strained because he acquired the motorcycle through a loan, and much of his income goes toward loan repayments.
Two years ago, Susan began to experience troubling symptoms, including an increase in the size of her neck. At first she was not concerned, but recently she started experiencing significant changes in her health and daily life. She developed shortness of breath whenever she lay down to rest; difficulty breathing after walking long distances; an irritating cough-like sensation; and persistent dryness of the mouth.
Susan was referred to our medical partner’s care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in the front of your neck, which produces hormones that are responsible for your metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Susan needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Susan receive treatment. On November 9th, she is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Susan and her family need your help raising the money.
Susan said: “This condition has really ruined my life; first it was my job, now I am worried that it’s a cancer meant to take my life. I kindly appeal to you for support to have my surgery; that way, maybe one day I will be able to resume work.”
