Silivia is a 48-year-old woman who has lived a life defined by resilience and hard work. She is a mother of seven children and a small-scale farmer from a village nestled near the deep waters of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda’s Rubanda District. For many years, Silvia has been rising very early in the morning to tend to her garden and care for her crops, with a commitment to feed her family. Silivia is a widow whose husband died many years ago. She raised her children on her own, ensuring they all remained healthy and well.
But three years ago, something began to change. It started with a slight swelling, nothing painful or urgent; she thought it was just a quiet inflammation. She brushed it off and continued working, just as she always had. However, as time passed, the pain intensified, becoming more severe. It would not disappear for even a minute, making daily life increasingly difficult. Silivia sought help at her nearest facility, but time and again, she was sent home with little more than painkillers. No diagnosis. No answers. Only frustration and a growing fear that something serious was being overlooked.
Silivia’s condition worsened. The woman who once worked tirelessly under the sun could now barely hold a hoe to tend her fields. Providing for her family became nearly impossible. With courage and determination, she eventually made her way to Kabale and arrived at our medical partner’s care center, Rushoroza Hospital, hoping this time would be different. And indeed, it was. At Rushoroza, she was well received. She was diagnosed with lipoma, a slow-growing, fatty lump located between the skin and muscle layer on her shoulder blade. A mass excision surgery has been recommended to for treatment. Without it, her condition will continue to worsen, and the pain, both physical and emotional, will not end.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is able to help. On October 7th, surgeons will remove the mass to alleviate her symptoms so she can go back to work and care for her family. Now, Silivia needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure.
Silivia says, “I pray that I may get well through this surgery that has been recommended, and I pray that this surgery becomes successful. After complete recovery, I will return to my small-scale farming and earn an income.”